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Report: Michael Avenatti Accused of Embezzling $2M Intended for Hassan Whiteside's Ex-Girlfriend

Michael Avenatti, the former attorney of NBA star Hassan Whiteside's ex-girlfriend, Alexis Gardner, has reportedly been accused of allegedly hiding a payment Whiteside made to her, according to the Los Angeles Times.

In January 2017, Whiteside wired $2.75 million to Avenatti, with the intent of most of the money to be received by Gardner. Gardner had hired Avenatti to help negotiate a settlement of a potential lawsuit against Whiteside.

Whiteside agreed to pay $3 million total. The $2.75 million wire served as an initial payment. Per the Times, prosecutors said Avenatti was entitled to take over $1 million in legal fees.