NEW YORK — Two Atlanta Hawks players were arrested for allegedly preventing police from setting up a crime scene after a stabbing in New York City.
According to ABC 7, the incident began when Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland was stabbed in the abdomen after an argument broke out at 1 OAK club early Wednesday morning. Copeland's wife was also slashed in the attack.
When police arrived, Hawks players Thabo Sefolosha and Pero Antic were accused of refusing to move for officers as they were attempting to set up a crime scene, according to ABC7.
Copeland and his wife were transported to a local hospital. Both were listed in stable condition.
Police arrested Sharoy Blery Murdock and a knife was found at the scene.
Sefolosha and Antic were charged with obstructing governmental administration, according to ABC 7.
The Hawks released a statement to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution:
"We are aware of the situation involving Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha this morning," Hawks Vice President of Public Relations Garin Narain said. "We are in the process of gathering more information and will have further comment at the appropriate time."
Statement from Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird regarding Copeland:
“We are aware that Chris Copeland was injured early this morning in New York City. We are still gathering information and will update when we know more. Our thoughts are with Chris and those injured.”
Statement from Thabo Sefolosha:
“I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to my family and friends, the Hawks organization and my teammates. This has been a difficult time for me and I truly appreciate the support I have received from everyone. I am extremely disappointed that I will not be able to join my teammates on the court during the playoffs and apologize to them for any distraction this incident has caused. I will be cheering for them every step of the way and will be diligent in my rehabilitation. On advice of counsel, I hope you can appreciate that I cannot discuss the facts of the case. Those questions will be answered by my attorney in a court of law. I will simply say that I am in great pain, have experienced a significant injury and that the injury was caused by the police.”
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