Around 2010, a rumor went around the NBA that Delonte West had sexual relations with Gloria James, LeBron James’ mother. It was a rumor that circulated like crazy among fans, but in 2012, West finally dispelled such gossip.

A malicious rumor

“It’s affected me,” West said in 2012, per Dallas News, via Miami New Times. “Everywhere I go, first question, ‘Don’t tell me you did that.'”

“If we want to continue to grow as a human race, what are we teaching our kids if we try to make humor and fun out of stuff like that?” West continued. “Number one, something like that never happened. I don’t know where they got that from.”

It’s unclear where the rumor came from. People claim that James, supposing the incident did happen, was so bothered by it that he performed poorly in the playoffs against the Boston Celtics in 2010.