CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Hornets’ P.J. Hairston was issued a criminal summons on Monday after he was involved in an altercation with a teenager during a pickup basketball game in Durham.
The misdemeanor criminal summons was taken out by the allegedly victim, Kentrell Barkley. Β He is accusing Hairston of punching him in the head twice while they played a pick-up basketball game at a YMCA. Β
Here is a picture Barkley posted of his alleged injuries:
Hairston’s agent claims Barkley shoved his client so Hairston shoved him back. Β The agent said things then escalated and Barkley punched Hairston so Hairston punched him back. Β Barkley is refuting the claims on Twitter. Β He says he never threw a punch or shoved Hairston. Β
Hairston released this statement on July 7th,
“I want to apologize to the Hornets organization and our fans for creating this distraction. Β As this is now a legal matter, I cannot comment on the situation any further. Β I am truly sorry for any embarrassment that I have caused.”
The Hornets released this statement on July 6th,
“The organization is aware of an incident this afternoon involving P.J. Hairston. Β We are in the process of gathering additional information and will have no further comment at this time.”
Hairston was picked up by the Hornets in the 2014 NBA Draft. Β Due to off-court issues during college, the NCAA revoked his eligibility to play basketball at the University of North Carolina. Β
