The Dallas Mavericks say Kristaps Porzingis was involved in an altercation at a nightclub in his native Latvia.
After video showed the 7-foot-3 forward with a bloody forehead, the Mavericks said Sunday: “It is our understanding that Kristaps was jumped and assaulted outside of a club,” without providing further details.
Video of the aftermath of the incident obtained by TMZ showed an agitated Porzingis in a torn shirt, pushing someone out of the way and approaching a group of men before several people stopped him and urged him to calm down.
ESPN is reporting that Porzingis was jumped by several Russians. Video of the aftermath emerged showing Porzingis with a torn shirt and bloody forehead. Additionally, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News reports Porzingis was attacked by several Russians and hit with debris and a larger object, which is believed to be a chair.
According to TMZ, Kristaps Porzingis got into a fight in Latvia with some Russians who were upset that he’s no longer on the Knicks. Apparently Porzingis was clubbing. Here is the video of the aftermath. pic.twitter.com/dWdB66fUYt
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) May 12, 2019
The 23-year-old Porzingis was acquired by Dallas in a blockbuster deal with the New York Knicks before the trading deadline but hasn’t played for the club. He missed the 2018-19 season after tearing a ligament in his left knee in what turned out to be his final game for the Knicks in February 2018.
Porzingis will be a restricted free agent July 1, and the Mavericks have said they intend to sign him to a long-term contract.
