Report: Kings' Barnes, Cousins sued over alleged choking incident

Sacramento Kings forward Matt Barnes and All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins have been sued for their involvement in an altercation at a New York nightclub on Monday morning, according to TMZ Sports.

The lawsuit is being filed by Jasmine Besiso and Myrone Powell, with Barnes having allegedly choked Besiso when the three and Cousins were in adjacent VIP booths at Avenue in New York City.

Powell apparently stepped in to intervene, but was met with a punch to his face by Cousins.

Afterward, Barnes allegedly let go of Besiso and knocked her unconscious with an elbow to her face. Powell was then met with a number of kicks and punches by Barnes and Cousins after being taken to the ground.

A representative for the alleged victims referred to the incident as both "vicious" and "unprovoked," with Cousins' blow to Powell being called a "blindside punch."

Barnes and Cousins left the area by the time police arrived at the scene.

Related: Barnes cooperating with NYPD over choking allegation, lawyer says

Barnes released a statement Monday afternoon on Instagram, telling his followers that they shouldn't believe everything that's being said, and that the media is merely painting a picture of him that isn't at all true.