Former Sacramento Kings assistant coach Nancy Lieberman has made explosive allegations against ex-NBA head coach George Karl, claiming he exhibited racist behavior during his tenure and that star center DeMarcus Cousins attempted to physically confront him on multiple occasions. The claims were made during Lieberman’s appearance on the 3s and Ones podcast, and have since sparked renewed scrutiny of Karl’s controversial coaching legacy.
Lieberman, who served on the Kings’ coaching staff from 2015 to 2018, described a toxic environment behind the scenes, alleging that Karl’s treatment of players, particularly Cousins, was racially charged and deeply divisive.
“There were two times in the locker room [Cousins] tried to beat up George Karl,” Lieberman said. “And that’s why he’s not given a chance. ’Cause that coach’s circle? It is no joke… I thought George was one of the most racist [people]. I sat in the meetings. It was unbelievable.”
Nancy Lieberman says George Karl was racist, and DeMarcus Cousins tried to beat him up twice in the locker room 😳
(🎥 @thebig3 ) pic.twitter.com/ZZpZ5Y3tej
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 8, 2025
Karl coached the Kings during the 2015–16 season, a turbulent campaign marked by internal conflict, public feuds, and a 33–49 record. According to reports, Karl attempted to suspend Cousins less than a month into the season following a profanity-laced outburst, but was overruled by then-GM Vlade Divac. Lieberman, who was reportedly favored by team owner Vivek Ranadivé as a potential interim head coach, was allegedly “unofficially exiled” by Karl due to her perceived loyalty to ownership.
The tension between Karl and Cousins was no secret. Cousins clashed repeatedly with Karl, and their relationship deteriorated to the point where Cousins openly mocked Karl during post-game interviews. Lieberman now suggests that Karl’s influence may have contributed to Cousins being “blackballed” from the NBA. The former All-Star last played in the league for the Denver Nuggets in 2022.
Karl, who retired from coaching in 2016, has faced similar accusations in the past, including public feuds with stars like Carmelo Anthony and Kenyon Martin.
