*The NBA is investigating a Jan. 23 incident in which Clippers forward Blake Griffin punched assistant equipment manager Matias Testi, breaking his own hand when a bullying session escalated out of control. The incident occurred at a restaurant in Toronto, and investigators are questioning the other two men who were at the dinner table, DeAndre Jordan and assistant athletic trainer Joe Resendez.
After an innocent exchange of teasing each other, Griffin reportedly stood up from the table and punched Testi. The other 2 men broke up the fight but Griffin pursued Testi outside and punched him repeatedly in the face. After police arrive and interviewed both men, Testi declined to press charges. He was treated at a Toronto hospital for minor facial injuries.
Jordan refused to elaborate when asked by the LA Times to discuss what happened. “It’s a tough situation,” he said. “Two guys that I’m super close with and it’s sticky, man. It’s tough.”
Clippers Coach Doc Rivers called the incident “frustrating” and a “Distraction.”
“This type of stuff shouldn’t happen, but it did, and it’s real life, and you have to deal with real life sometimes in our make-believe world,” he said.
Griffin apologized to the team’s fans on Twitter.com. He is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks while his broken right hand heals.
DeAndre said it would be good to see Griffin around the team during his downtime. “Yeah, just to keep his spirits up,” Jordan said. “He definitely misses the game, we miss him. As soon as we can get him back on the court healthy and everything, it’s going to be great for our team.”
Many are concerned about what the vibe will be like in the locker room if Testi also rejoins the team, which could make for an awkward situation. “They’re good friends, they’re going to figure it out,” Clippers guard Austin Rivers said.
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