Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. faced allegations of assaulting his girlfriend in a New York City hotel room, resulting in her suffering a fractured neck vertebra and a deep cut above her right eye, as revealed by prosecutors during his arraignment on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old Porter pleaded not guilty to felony assault and strangulation charges related to the incident that occurred early on Monday at the Millennium Hilton near the United Nations in Manhattan. Prosecutors contended that he continued the assault until his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, fled into the hallway, covered in blood.
her . pic.twitter.com/blU4rdGIWE
— Kysre Gondrezick (@KysreRae) June 11, 2021
Porter, a prominent NBA star, had been in police custody since his arrest around 6:45 a.m. on Monday but was released after posting bail. The bail was set at $75,000 cash or $100,000 bond, with an additional order to stay away from Gondrezick.
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Mirah Curzer emphasized the gravity of the domestic violence case during the court proceedings, stating that Porter had a history of abusing Gondrezick, including a prior incident in which he intentionally rammed his car into hers.
Porter is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan court on October 16, with the Rockets set to play a preseason game on that day in San Antonio, and the regular season commencing about two weeks later.
Attempts to obtain a comment from Porter’s lawyer were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
In response to the incident, the Rockets released a statement on Monday, stating, “We are in the process of gathering information surrounding the matter involving Kevin Porter Jr. We have no further comment at this time.”
According to the criminal complaint, Gondrezick informed the police that Porter repeatedly punched her in the face with a closed fist, resulting in an inches-long laceration above her right eye, bruising, and significant facial pain. She further alleged that Porter strangled her by wrapping his hands around her neck, causing breathing difficulties, redness, and bruising to her neck, as well as limited motion in her left arm.
Kevin Porter Jr. Alleged Assault and Legal Proceedings
Hospital tests confirmed that Gondrezick sustained a fractured neck vertebra, as stated in the criminal complaint.
Porter and Gondrezick began their relationship in February 2022, according to an anniversary message she posted on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.
Gondrezick, who was selected as the fourth pick in the 2021 WNBA draft, played one season for the Indiana Fever and is currently a free agent. She is also involved in acting and modeling.
Porter has played four seasons in the NBA, marked by his on-court talent and off-court issues. In the previous year, he averaged 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, earning a lucrative four-year extension with the Houston Rockets. This move came after he had worn out his welcome in Cleveland.
Kevin Porter Jr.’s NBA Career and Off-Court Incidents
In November 2020, while playing for the Cavaliers, Porter was arrested following a single-vehicle crash, during which a loaded handgun and marijuana were found in his car. Porter claimed he was unaware of the gun’s presence, and the charges were ultimately dismissed.
Porter, a 2019 first-round draft pick from the University of Southern California, was traded from Cleveland to Houston a few months later after reportedly confronting the Cavaliers’ general manager upon learning that his locker had been relocated to accommodate a newly acquired player.
In April 2021, the NBA fined Porter $50,000 for violating the league’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols by visiting a Miami strip club. In January 2022, the Rockets suspended Porter for one game after then-coach Stephen Silas reported that the player engaged in a “spirited debate” and “lost his temper” at halftime.
