NBA News 2016: Clippers Star Blake Griffin Injures Hand After Punching Team Staff Member; Managers Release Official Statement
Los Angeles Clippers main big man and superstar Blake Griffin will be out for four to six weeks due to a hand injury.
In a report by Sam Amick for USA Today Sports, the 26-year-old professional basketball player suffered a fractured right hand after getting involved in a physical altercation with the Clippers' assistant equipment manager Matias Testi at a restaurant in Toronto.
The report adds that both Griffin and Testi, who are believed to be close friends, were sent back to Los Angeles after the said incident. No police reports have been made and no complaints have been filed. The specific condition of the injury, as detailed by a team representative is a "spiral fracture of the fourth metacarpal."
After going through an MRI scan on Monday, Griffin immediately had a corrective procedure on the said hand the next day. While the period on the initial prognosis has been released, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers believes that Griffin may be out a little longer.
The team management, through owner Steve Ballmer and Doc Rivers, have released a statement regarding the incident.
"This conduct has no place in our organization and this incident does not represent who we are as a team. We are conducting a full investigation with assistance from the NBA. At the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate action will be taken," an excerpt of the statement reads.
Prior to the said incident, Griffin had already been sidelined since December 26th, due to a torn quadriceps. The Clippers are currently holding a 32-16 win-loss slate, and is situated at the number four spot at the Western Conference standings behind the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
For the current season, Griffin has played in 30 games and is averaging 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and five assists, through 34.9 minutes of playing time per game.
