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Nike Issues Statement After Michael Avenatti's Tweets Accusing Zion Williamson's Mom of Accepting Bribe

Nike issued a statement on Sunday, saying it would not respond to Michael Avenatti's comments that the company bribed Zion Williamson's mother.

DURHAM, N.C. — It's a tweet that's getting a lot of attention.

Attorney Michael Avenatti claims Duke men's basketball star Zion Williamson's mother could have been paid a "bribe" by Nike for "bogus consulting services" to get her son to attend Duke.

RELATED: Avenatti Tweets about Zion Williamson's Mom and Possible Nike Payments

Friday night, Avenatti tweeted this: 

Known for his involvement with adult film actress Stormy Daniels's lawsuit against President Donald Trump, Avenatti is also facing charges, accused of trying to extort millions of dollars from Nike. 

Avenatti denies these accusations. 

For Duke basketball fan Fatima Rassi, she doesn't think Avenatti's allegation involving Williamson's mother is true. 

"It's sad that it's happening," Rassi said. "You're ruining someone's life. You're ruining the career of Zion." 

RELATED: Zion Williamson returning to Duke for sophomore season? Dream on...

Lifelong Duke basketball fan Tyler Winton also doesn't believe Avenatti's tweet. 

"I think everyone's going to come and try to get a little piece of Zion, because he's kind of the man," Winton said. "I think he's [Michael Avenatti] a guy who is just looking for his 15 seconds of fame. I hope that's all it is." 

Nike issued a statement on Sunday to CBS 17, in which the company said it would not respond to Avenatti's comments.

"Nike will not respond to the allegations of an individual facing federal charges of fraud and extortion and aid in his disgraceful attempts to distract from the athletes on the court at the height of the tournament.  Nike will continue its cooperation with the government's investigation into grassroots basketball and the related extortion case." 

Duke Vice President and Director of Athletics released this statement about the issue: 

RELATED: Duke Freshmen Williamson, Barrett Top AP All-America Team

"We are aware of the allegation and, as we would with any compliance matter, are looking into it. Duke is fully committed to compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations. Every student-athlete at Duke is reviewed to ensure their eligibility. With regard to men's basketball: all recruits and their families are thoroughly vetted by Duke in collaboration with the NCAA through the Eligibility Center's amateurism certification process." 

Meanwhile, those like Winton hope this gets resolved soon. 

"Hopefully, the facts will come out quickly, and people will either put this behind them, or address it the way it needs to be addressed," Winton said. 

Sunday, Zion Williamson was named the Naismith Men's Player of the Year. 

CBS 17 also tried reaching out to Williamson's mother for comment regarding the issue, but we were unable to reach her this weekend. 

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