Clippers forward Blake Griffin charged with misdemeanor battery

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin has been charged with one count of misdemeanor battery stemming from an alleged altercation in a Las Vegas nightclub.

Officials confirmed Wednesday that Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin has been charged with one count of misdemeanor battery stemming from an incident at a Las Vegas nightclub, according to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times. TMZ first reported the news.

Las Vegas authorities were investigating Griffin last month for the alleged altercation but no arrests were made or charges filed at that time. The Clippers were in Las Vegas to play the Denver Nuggets in a preseason game at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. 

According to Bolch, it's alleged that Griffin battered the victim, Daniel Schuman, by "squeezing his hand and shoulder and/or slapping him on the face."

Griffin's first court date is scheduled for Dec. 8 at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas. The Clippers play a home game against the Phoenix Suns that day.

A Nevada misdemeanor battery crime with no substantial bodily harm can carry six months of jail and/or a $1,000 fine or community service.

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 13, 2014

Griffin is averaging 24.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on 47.1 percent shooting this season.

- Molly Geary