Clippers' Blake Griffin investigated for alleged nightclub assault in Las Vegas
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin is being investigated by law enforcement authorities in Las Vegas after an alleged altercation at a nightclub, reports the Associated Press.
The Clippers were in Las Vegas last Saturday to play the Denver Nuggets in a preseason game at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
According to TMZ.com, a 39-year-old man claimed that Griffin grabbed his neck, took his cell phone and slapped him after the man took a photo while Griffin partied with Clippers teammates at the TAO club on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Clippers said they are aware of the incident, but had no further comment. The NBA is also aware of the investigation and will look into it further.
No arrests have been made and the Las Vegas Metro Police Department is still investigating the incident.
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers issued a statement saying he supported Griffin.
“I trust Blake 100%,” Rivers said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “He's a great kid. We'll figure it out and get through it. I can't say much, but I feel very confident things will work out. I’ll put it that way.”
Griffin, a four-time All-Star, averaged 24.1 points and 9.5 rebounds last season for the Clippers, who start the regular season next Thursday at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Scooby Axson
