During his playing days Gary Payton was one of the NBA's most aggressive defenders, now he finds himself on the defensive.

TMZ Sports is reporting that the basketball Hall of Famer is being sued by a woman who claims the former NBA point guard assaulted her during a Seattle vacation. Payton is denying the shocking claim, refuting that it's nothing more than a money-making attempt.

The lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, has the accuser, Trishtan Williams, claiming that Payton invited her as his date to an award ceremony in Seattle this past January, and that the legendary player shoved her at a local bar afterward. She adds that he assaulted her a second time during a cab ride later that night and for a third time back at their hotel room. Williams has reportedly hired powerful attorney Gloria Allred and is seeking monetary damages.

Payton's lawyer, Aaron Goodwin, told TMZ that Williams has "no physical evidence to substantiate these claims."

"Unfortunately, with the climate of claims against athletes for monetary gains, Mr. Payton is just another victim and will fight this frivolous lawsuit."

Payton was a nine-time All-Star and a one-time NBA champion (in 2006) before being enshrined in the Hall of Fame as part of the 2013 class. 

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(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)