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)
DALLAS — 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.
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.