Cleveland Cavaliers star, Daniel Gibson, 27 turned himself in to police on Monday to face the allege charges of second-degree assault and battery. The NBA star surrendered to New Orleans Police Department at the 8th District headquarters. The incident occurred at the venue of the annual ‘Essence Music Festival‘ in New Orleans over the independence holiday.
According to the media reports, Gibson allegedly punched a man and broke his jaw after a verbal dispute that ensued between the “alleged victim” and his wife, singer, Keyshia Cole. As the story goes, Keyshia and Gibson were exiting the venue after her performance when an unknown male began spewing obscenities at the singer. Gibson issued a verbal response in defense of his wife and an physical altercation between the two males ensued shortly thereafter.
There is on going investigation of the incident. However, Gibson did call into TMZ to clear any speculated rumors of his. mishandling of the incident. Here’s what Daniel said:
“I guess because of ALOT of legal issue and things that are still pending I can’t go into details. But it definitely wasn’t a fan of Keyshia’s. There was some disrespect being shown towards my wife. I was behind her – when I got to a certain area he [the victim] and his people [pause] I just so happen to walk right up on that group and that’s how the situation ended up being what it was. ……”
“I’m not the kind of guy to be looking for trouble. I’m layed back and chill and we were looking to enjoy ourselves, but the situation called for me to make sure that my wife was safe and everyone around her was safe.”
As for the rumors suggesting that he “broke the victim’s jaw” :
“That’s up in the air. I haven’t seen him since that night. There was an altercation between me and a group of people. That’s what it went from a misdemeanor to battery to 2nd degree because it was a bodily harm cause. That was the major issue of why I had to come in and turn myself in.”
“You know – Words don’t hurt me. People say things all the time [you know that’s the world we live in] but this particular situation I just felt that our circle was threatened and I felt it necessary to take action to make sure we were good. “
Reportedly the NBA is also taking the incident seriously as Gibson performance has declined since his introduction to the NBA sever years prior. The bleacher report writes:
“Gibson only participated in 81 games over the past two seasons for the Cleveland Cavaliers.”
“His numbers took a significant dive in 2012-13, as the 6’2”, 200-pound guard averaged just 5.4 points, 1.8 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 20 minutes of play per game.”
Those pale in comparison to the 11.6 points, 3.0 assists and 2.6 rebounds he averaged in 27.8 minutes back in 2010-11. ”
Stay Tuned PLUM’s !