Brooklyn Nets’ Rodions Kurucs Arrested for Allegedly Choking Girlfriend

Nets’ forward Rodions Kurucs was arrested Tuesday for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend earlier this summer.

According to the New York Post, the 21-year-old forward is accused of choking the woman after a June 27 argument in his NYC apartment. The outlet reports Kurucs allegedly grabbed a knife during the confrontation and screamed “I’m going to kill myself.” Sources say the Latvian-born athlete then dropped the knife before grabbing the 32-year-old woman by the neck, throwing her on the bed, and slapping her. The woman reportedly received medical treatment for rib injuries sustained during the alleged attack.

She reported the incident two months after it allegedly occurred. Kurucs turned himself into Brooklyn authorities Tuesday morning. The 6-foot-9 and 210-pound NBA player was charged with misdemeanor assault. Hours after he was arrested, Kurucs appeared in court and was released without bail. Judge Gina Abadi also issued a protective order that prohibited Kurucs from contacting the woman.

He is scheduled to appear back in court on Oct. 21—two days before he begins his second season with the Nets.

“After learning of the allegations against Rodions Kurucs, we notified and are assisting the League Office as they begin the process of gathering more information,” the Nets said in a statement Tuesday. “The Nets organization takes allegations of this nature with extreme seriousness. While the investigation is underway and as we continue to learn more, we will refrain from commenting further.”