Former Temple star Brunson charged with attempted sexual assault

THE DETAILS of the charges against former Temple standout Rick Brunson - who, according to sources, was about to be offered a job as an assistant coach on Fran Dunphy's staff - have been released.

He was arrested and charged late last month with attempted sexual assault and aggravated battery after an April 2 incident with a massage therapist at a Chicago athletic center.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported there was a confrontation during that appointment, resulting in a series of sex-based criminal charges. Brunson, 42, is accused of touching the masseuse inappropriately, police said.

The Chicago Tribune first reported yesterday that, according to Vernon Hills, Ill., police records, Brunson used the name of former NBA great Patrick Ewing to book a massage with the alleged victim, a fitness-center employee who had given him 10 to 20 massages over a 3-year period when he was "always using his own name."

According to police, the victim said she was "surprised" to see Brunson when she walked into the massage room. She said Brunson acknowleged to her that he had booked the massage under a different name, because she had told him in 2013 that she would not massage him anymore. The two had exchanged text messages over the holidays in December, according to the police documents. Still, she "reluctantly" agreed to massage him since he was already there. And already undressed.

The woman complained to her manager several days later, prompting the human resources department to investigate. Brunson's club membership was revoked on April 9.

Six days later, she obtained an order of protection that prohibited Brunson from contacting her or from entering the fitness center. In her petition for that order, she wrote that Brunson called her and texted her several times on April 9.

Brunson, who was released on $5,000 bond, is due in court today.

His son Jalen, a point guard who's entering his senior season at Stevenson High in Lincolnshire, Ill., is considered one of the county's top recruiting prospects.

Rick played for John Chaney from 1991-95. He spent nine seasons in the NBA with eight teams, including two stints with the Chicago Bulls, before retiring in 2006. He has since been an assistant in both college and the NBA. His last job was with the Charlotte Bobcats in 2012-13.

Temple officials declined to comment. So has Brunson, despite several attempts. While sources said that no official offer had been made, indications were he was about to be hired.

The police report said Brunson admitted booking the massage under an assumed name, although he indicated that this was a habit dating back to his professional playing days, according to the fitness center's human resources employee. That person described Brunson as being "apologetic" and expressing "regret" over the incident.

Investigators are reviewing video, interviewing other center employees and seeking DNA evidence from the alleged victim's clothing.