Man Says Scuffle With Dominique Wilkins Was Over Money

ATLANTA,None — The man arrested following a scuffle with former Atlanta Hawks star Dominique Wilkins said he was attacked first.

Police said 36-year-old Rashan Michel attacked Wilkins and a Hawks security guard after the Hawks game at Philips Arena on Wednesday night.

After Michel bonded out of jail, he went on the radio and said Wilkins assaulted him.

"Oh yeah. No question," he said. Michel's mug shot shows him with a swollen eye.

Michel, who sells custom clothing, told his side of the story on radio to V103's Frank and Wanda morning show, saying Wilkins, a Hawks vice president and TV analyst, owes him nearly $13,000.

As Wilkins wrapped up a live post-game broadcast, Michel said he asked him about the money he's owed.

That's when he said Wilkins and the guard came into the stands.

"The security guard grabbed me first and then Dominique came over cause I was like, 'Man you sure you don't want to work this out?' and you know, he was like '(expletive).'"

He said Wilkins started punching him.

But Atlanta police said Michel was the aggressor.

"Mr. Michel came onto the court and at some point physically assaulted both Mr. Wilkins and the security guard," spokesman Carlos Campos said. Campos said the guard suffered scrapes and bruises in the scuffle. Officers arrested Michel and charged him with two counts of simple battery.

Channel 2's Tom Jones watched video of the incident posted online by a celebrity tabloid TV show. It shows Wilkins in the stands throwing multiple punches.

Michel said all he wanted was to be paid for his services. He wonders if Wilkins will ever repay him.

"I betcha he can't put $5,000 together right now," he said.

The Atlanta Hawks and Wilkins declined to comment on the incident. Michel posted $1,000 bond and was released.

WSBTV