Griffin feels bad for distraction of battery charge, Clippers show support

The Los Angeles Clippers were aware that Blake Griffin had gotten into an incident in Las Vegas during the team's training camp, they were just hoping it would go away.

Those were the words of head coach Doc Rivers on Thursday when asked about the battery charges filed against Griffin on Wednesday. Griffin faces one count of misdemeanor battery from the incident and has a court date set for Dec. 8, a game day for the team.

While he was unable to speak about specifics, Griffin expressed confidence in the situation and said he would provide more detail when the legal process allowed.

"It's not scary," Griffin said. "I feel more bad just for the fact that it's a distraction."

For a franchise that's been trying to find itself outside of controversy given the events of the last few months with former owner Donald Sterling, the timing is unfortunate. Still, Rivers showed support for Griffin, as expected.

"I love Blake and support Blake and this will work out," Rivers said.

Teammate Chris Paul echoed those sentiments, calling Griffin a teammate and a brother.

"We're always going to be there for him," Paul said.

The Clippers are off until Saturday, at which point Griffin may be able to turn his focus back to basketball.

A misdemeanor battery without bodily harm conviction in the state of Nevada carries up to six months of jail time, a $1,000 fine or community service. Griffin has only been charged, not convicted, and there's plenty of legal process left to play out.