FILE – In this March 14, 2019, file photo, Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis stands during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets in Denver. An attorney for Porzingis acknowledges that a woman has accused the NBA star of rape, but “unequivocally” denies the allegation. Lawyer Roland Riopelle said Saturday, March 30, that the claim against the Dallas Maverick was part of an extortion attempt that is being investigated by the FBI. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
NEW YORK — A New York City police official has confirmed that there is an investigation into a rape allegation against NBA star Kristaps Porzingis.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said on Monday that the department has an ongoing probe. He declined to give further details.
An attorney for Porzingis had acknowledged last week that a woman had accused the Dallas Mavericks forward of raping her in his Manhattan apartment last year while he was playing for the Knicks.
But the lawyer, Roland Riopelle, said the allegation was false and was part of an extortion attempt.
Riopelle said Porzingis reported the woman to the FBI in December.
The FBI declined comment Monday.