Kevin Porter Jr. of the Houston Rockets has been arrested and charged with assault and strangulation following an incident that occurred at a New York hotel on Monday morning, according to a spokesperson from the New York City police department.
The police responded to a 911 call reporting an assault at 6:45 a.m. and subsequently conducted an investigation, resulting in the arrest of Porter, who is 23 years old. Both assault and strangulation charges are classified as felonies.
The incident involved Porter’s girlfriend, a former WNBA player, as reported by sources to ABC News.
Upon their arrival, the officers were informed that a 26-year-old female had sustained a laceration on the right side of her face and had complained of neck pain. The police spokesperson stated, “A preliminary investigation on the scene determined that a known individual struck her multiple times on her body and placed his hands around her neck.” The woman was then transported to the hospital for evaluation.
The Houston Rockets issued a statement in response to the situation, stating, “We are in the process of gathering information surrounding the matter involving Kevin Porter Jr. We have no further comment at this time.”
The NBA also acknowledged Porter’s arrest through spokesman Mike Bass, and they stated, “The league office is in contact with the Houston Rockets and in the process of gathering more information.”
While the NBA conducts its investigation, the Rockets are unable to impose immediate disciplinary action on Porter, including a suspension.
According to the league’s domestic violence policy, Commissioner Adam Silver has the authority to place Porter on administrative leave with pay for a “reasonable period of time” based on the findings of the case. Depending on the results, the commissioner can decide to impose fines, suspensions, dismissals, or disqualifications from further association with the league and its teams for a player who violates the domestic violence policy.
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