Sex assault trial for ex-Bull Brunson will begin next week
A former Chicago Bulls player and coach accused of trying to sexually assault a massage therapist will be in court Wednesday to set a trial date.
Lake County Judge James Booras said he will start the trial against Eric "Rick" Brunson sometime next week after he takes care of any other trials on the court calendar, defense attorney Stephen Simonian said.
Brunson, 42, of Vernon Hills, is charged with attempted criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated battery and domestic battery for allegedly assaulting an unidentified massage therapist in a massage room at Lifetime Fitness in Vernon Hills in April 2014.
He remains free from jail after posting the required 10 percent of his $50,000 bail.
Brunson, who coached and played in the NBA under the name Rick Brunson, faces three to seven years in prison if found guilty on the most serious charge.
He has been ordered to have no contact with the victim or the fitness center.
According to NBA.com, Brunson served two stints with the Bulls during his nine-year NBA career. He also served as an assistant coach with the Bulls, Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Bobcats since retiring from professional basketball in 2006.