While not a full-throated denial, Kevin Porter Jr.’s alleged assault and strangulation victim is disputing some of the reporting in the aftermath of Porter’s Monday arrest in New York.
The attorney for Kysre Gondrezick, a former WNBA player and Porter’s long-time girlfriend, issued her statement to Baller Alert.
“(She) wants to express her deep appreciation for the public’s support and prayers,” said Robert Hantman of Robert Hantman and Associates. “In regards to our client, much that has been written in the press attributing statements to her are misleading and inaccurate.”
“She has not granted nor released any statements on her own volition,” the statement continues. “She asks everyone to respect her privacy and avoid speculation as to what occurred and refrain from disclosing any misleading statements as to Mr. Porter.”
Exclusive: Former WNBA Star Kysre Gondrezick Sets Record Straight Amidst Allegations of Assault Involving Houston Rockets Player Kevin Porter Jr. https://t.co/kI36xQCqRr pic.twitter.com/SGVdBkCytf
— Baller Alert 🚨 (@balleralert) September 13, 2023
Baller Alert shares further details:
Multiple news outlets reported Monday that Gondrezick had informed law enforcement that Porter had struck her repeatedly with a closed fist and forcibly choked her during the altercation. However, Gondrezick (asserts) she has not provided any verbal or written statement for prosecutorial purposes.
Additionally, some reports had suggested that Gondrezick sustained a fractured vertebra in her neck as a result of the alleged assault. In response, representatives clarified that Gondrezick had not given her consent for the release of her medical records. Instead, they claimed that information regarding her injuries may have been relayed by an officer who overheard discussions among medical personnel, rather than through direct statements from the doctors treating her.
Furthermore, Gondrezick’s representatives strongly refuted claims that her relationship with Porter was tumultuous and abusive. They insisted that such narratives were untrue. “In no way does that represent what their relationship has been.”
Both the Rockets and the NBA have said they are in the process of gathering more information regarding the incident.
While Gondrezick’s lack of a statement for prosecutorial purposes could affect the legal case against Porter, it does not necessarily influence discipline from the Rockets or the NBA.
The NBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement, which took effect July 1, stipulates a player does not have to be convicted of a crime to be in violation of the league’s domestic violence policy.
Commissioner Adam Silver can choose to put a player on paid administrative leave while the league investigates and, based on the findings, has the authority to, “fine, suspend, or dismiss and disqualify” a player “from any further association with the NBA and its teams,” according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
As the case moves forward, Porter is due back in court in Manhattan on Oct. 16. The Rockets begin training camp for the 2023-24 season earlier that month, and Porter’s status remains unclear.
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