Former NBA player Rick Brunson was found not guilty of sexually assaulting a massage therapist at an Illinois Life Time Fitness last year.
Judge James Booras ruled the state was "unable to meet the burden of proof required" to convict Brunson for the April 2014 incident at Vernon Hills facility, according to a May 29 report from the Daily Herald.
"This has been a long, hard journey for him (Brunson)," defense attorney Dennis Berkson told the Daily Herald. "At this point in time, he needs to work to get his reputation back. We hope now that he has been acquitted of everything, he can go out and restore his name."
Brunson was arrested and charged with sexual abuse, attempted sexual assault and three counts of battery.
The therapist allegedly declined to work on Brunson in April 2014, and Brunson allegedly booked the appointment using the name of former NBA star Patrick Ewing.
The woman accused Brunson of making unwanted sexual advances at the end of the hour-long session.
Brunson's defense team questioned why the woman waited 10 days before contacting police and claimed the woman was seen on video laughing with Brunson after leaving the massage room, according to the Daily Herald.
"We are disappointed by the ruling, but we respect the judge's decision," state attorney Fred Day told the Daily Herald. "Because it's easy to blame the victim in cases like this, it becomes more difficult for victims of this abuse to come forward."
Brunson played nine seasons in the NBA with eight teams and served as an assistant coach with three NBA teams, including the Bulls.