Knicks power forward Kyle O’Quinn is facing a lawsuit after he allegedly assaulted a 22-year-old woman in May. O’Quinn was allegedly leaving a party in Brooklyn when he jumped into a fight and assaulted the woman. The Norfolk State University graduate signed a four-year, $16 million deal with the Knicks last summer.
From Christina Carrega-Woodby and the New York Daily News
Shakaira Elaine Elie, 22, was enjoying a day party with her friends at Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant on May 22 when they noticed a very tall man staring at her, according to a lawsuit filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court.
Unbeknownst to Elie, the 6-foot-10 man was Knicks power forward Kyle O’Quinn.
O’Quinn, 26, of Queens, was with a woman — believed to be his girlfriend — who also allegedly noticed him making googly eyes at Elie and was not paying attention to her, according to the suit’s account.
As the party was winding down, a friend of Elie’s went to the restroom as she waited outside for their ride to arrive.
O’Quinn, his companion and crew also allegedly made their way out of the party.
The 2012 second-round NBA draft pick, who signed a four year $16 million deal with the Knicks in 2015 and earned his college degree from Norfolk State University last month, allegedly tried to talk to Elie, but she wasn’t interested. Nonetheless, his companion allegedly attacked her, the lawsuit says.
O’Quinn allegedly jumped in and grabbed Elie by the neck, according to the court documents.
“We find it extremely disturbing that a person with his fame, that young people look up to, would not prevent a fight from happening, but instead would brutally attack, choke and slam her to the ground, not once, but twice,” said Elie’s attorney Marion Conde da Silveira.
O’Quinn’s agency released a statement via ESPN
“The allegations are completely false, and Kyle looks forward to clearing his name through the legal process.”
