Los Angeles Clippers' star Blake Griffin is being investigated by law enforcement authorities in Las Vegas for an alleged altercation that took place at a nightclub, the Associated Press reported.
Griffin and the Clippers were in Las Vegas last Saturday to play the Denver Nuggets in a preseason game.
A 39-year-old man claimed that "Griffin grabbed his neck, took his cell phone and slapped him after the man took a photo while Griffin partied with Clippers' teammates at the TAO club on the Las Vegas strip," according to TMZ.
The Clippers, while aware of the incident, had no further comment. The NBA has also been made aware of the incident, and will follow the Las Vegas Police Department's investigation closely.
Clippers' head coach Doc Rivers released a statement in support of Griffin:
"I trust Blake 100%," Rivers said, according to the Los Angeles Times. "He's a great kid. We'll figure it out and get through it. I can't say much, but I feel very confident things will work out. I'll put it that way."
This investigation comes on the heels of Griffin's strong comments regarding in-game retaliation over hard fouls.
"Yeah, probably," Griffin answered when asked last week if he's going to fight back if the cheap shots continue. "I'm not going to do it for no reason or if it's not warranted..."
Griffin is a four-time All-Star who averaged 24.1 points and 9.5 rebounds last season for the Clippers. Los Angeles will open the regular season at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder next Thursday.
