Jared Siskin/Getty Images for Vogue
Houston Rockets shooting guard Kevin Porter Jr. has been charged with assault and strangulation of his girlfriend of over one year, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick. According to AP News, the 23-year-old has posted bail after pleading not guilty to the offenses.
According to an initial report by the outlet, the incident took place Monday morning. It reportedly occurred at the Millennium Hilton in New York. At the time, Porter was accused of hitting his girlfriend “several times,” Additionally, it was alleged that he put his “hands around her neck.”
After the incident, the 26-year-old victim was taken to the NYU Langone Medical Center with a reported “cut” on her face.
Since then, AP News has revealed that Porter Jr. “repeatedly” punched the victim in the face with a “closed fist.” This reportedly caused a gash above Gondrezick’s left eye, leaving her with “bruising” and “substantial pain.”
Additionally, Porter Jr. allegedly strangled the victim, which caused her to sustain a loss of breath and a “fracture to one of the vertebrae in her neck.”
On Monday, the NBA player was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and strangulation.
According to the outlet, the Houston Rockets released a statement amid the shooting guard’s arrest.
“We are in the process of gathering information surrounding the matter involving Kevin Porter Jr. We have no further comment at this time.”
Additionally, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass shared a statement with CNN.
“We are aware of the reports regarding Kevin Porter Jr. The league office is in contact with the Houston Rockets and in the process of gathering more information.”
According to AP News, the 23-year-old appeared for his arraignment on Tuesday. During the proceeding, prosecutors alleged that Porter Jr. “did not stop” assaulting Gondrezick until she “ran out into the hallway covered in blood.”
“This is a serious domestic violence case,” Assistant Manhattan District Attorney Mirah Curzer reportedly told the court during the proceeding.
Additionally, Curzer alleged that the 23-year-old has a history of abuse against Gondrezick. The history reportedly includes an instance where he allegedly rammed his car into hers.
Ultimately, Kevin Porter Jr. pleaded not guilty to the felony assault and strangulation charges. Furthermore, the 23-year-old paid his $75,000 cash bail and was released from police custody.
AP News reports that the shooting guard has been ordered to stay away from Gondrezick. The New York Post reports that there is currently a “full temporary restraining” order against the NBA player.
Furthermore, he is expected to appear back in court on October 16.
According to CNN, Porter Jr. has a four-season long career with the NBA, having also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Additionally, in October, it was revealed that he signed a “multiyear contract extension” with the Rockets. The deal is reportedly more than $80 million.
