Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland has been released from a New York City hospital after undergoing surgery for a stab wound.
Copeland was stabbed early April 8 outside a Manhattan nightclub. Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star reported that a source said the knife wound punctured the 31-year-old forward's diaphragm.
Need to Know
- The Atlanta Hawks' Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha were arrested in the aftermath of the incident for preventing police from setting up a crime scene, according to police. The pair plan to contest the charges of obstruction and disorderly conduct.
- Video obtained by TMZ shows Antic and Sefolosha's arrest.
- Shevoy Bleary has been charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon in Copeland's stabbing.
- Copeland is vowing to come back stronger than ever.
- Sefolosha reportedly broke his ankle and suffered a fractured tibia in the incident with police, and is out for the season. Sefolosha has reportedly been contacted by Internal Affairs of the NYPD as the incident is under investigation.
- Buckner also reported that the NBA player did not initiate anything with the assailant, and that Copeland's ex-fiancee, Katrine Saltara, sustained an injury in the incident but was released from hospital Wednesday.
- A police spokeswoman said that Sefolosha "charged at an officer," while Antic "physically grabbed another police officer," according to a New York Times report. Antic was charged with disorderly conduct and menacing, while Sefolosha was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, according to The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
- The NBPA is investigating police tactics used in Sefolosha's arrest.
- J.R. Smith comments on Copeland stabbing.
- Pacers head coach Frank Vogel says Copeland is scheduled to fly home to Indianapolis on Sunday.
Official Statements
Copeland
I want to thank all the fans, friends, teammates, coaches and the Pacers organization for their support and prayers during this time. I also want to apologize to everyone, particularly the NBA and the Pacers for my bad choice at being out at that time. I am doing as well as can be expected and I will work hard to make a full recovery.
Pacers
Pacers forward Chris Copeland underwent surgery Wednesday on his abdomen and left elbow for stab wounds sustained early Wednesday morning in New York City. He is in stable condition at a New York City hospital. At this point there is no timetable for how long he will remain in the hospital.
Hawks
Head coach Mike Budenholzer:
The events of (Wednesday) morning involving Pero (Antic) and Thabo (Sefolosha) were unfortunate as we never want to see our players put themselves in a potentially negative situation. We will continue to look into the facts of the incident but with the information and foundation that we currently have established, we will support them through this process. Otherwise it is a continuing legal matter and I will have no further comment.
Antic and Sefolosha:
As members of the Atlanta Hawks, we hold ourselves to a high standard and take our roles as professionals very seriously. We will contest these charges and look forward to communicating the facts of the situation at the appropriate time. We apologize to our respective families, teammates, and the Hawks organization for any negative attention this incident has brought upon them. We are unable to provide further comment as this is an ongoing legal matter.
NBA
We are in contact with the Indiana Pacers along with local law enforcement to obtain more information.
