Brooklyn Nets forward Rodions Kurucs was arrested on Tuesday morning for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. The incident, a New York Daily News report states, took place this past June.
The domestic incident occurred at Kurucs’ Brooklyn apartment. The 6’9″ Latvian allegedly pushed his girlfriend on a bed, causing a rib injury, slapped her face twice and bit her lip.
The woman and Kurucs went on a trip to Las Vegas the day after the alleged incident, according to Kurucs’ attorney Alex Spiro. The couple reportedly dated for nine months but are no longer together.
“The former couple flew away together arm in arm in the days that followed the alleged incident, and only after an unfortunate breakup did these claims appear – claims that the misdemeanor hearing today revealed were backed by no photographs or objective medical facts,” Spiro said in a statement.
Kurucs was charged with obstructing the woman’s breathing, according to the report. He was released without bail and is due back in court on Oct. 21, two days before Brooklyn kicks off the regular season against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Barclays Center.
The Latvia native is preparing for his second NBA season after emerging as a strong reserve for the Nets last season. The 2018 second-round pick (40th overall), averaged 8.5 points and 3.9 rebounds for Brooklyn last season.
