Blake Griffin is sidelined due to a hand injury from an altercation with a Los Angeles Clippers staffer, and the NBA has called on a big-name teammate while investigating what led to the fight.
According to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the league interviewed DeAndre Jordan as well as assistant athletic trainer and travel manager Joe Resendez. Turner cited several anonymous NBA officials and said:
Jordan and Resendez were at the restaurant in Toronto on Saturday night when Griffin punched assistant equipment manager Matias Testi. NBA officials were trying to find out what Jordan and Resendez knew about the altercation during the dinner that all four attended.
Griffin could face a suspension and/or fine once he returns from the injury, which is expected to keep the power forward inactive for another 4-6 weeks.
However, Doc Rivers suggested that projection is unrealistic. The Clippers head coach also called the incident frustrating and a distraction, so it’s clear Rivers isn’t particularly thrilled about the foolish moment.
As of now, we know Griffin and Testi had a disagreement that was sparked by “typical trash-talking” between the friends. Griffin punched Testi, who exited the restaurant but Griffin followed. He again punched Testi, who “suffered a badly swollen face,” per Turner.
Griffin will likely miss a majority of the remainder of the regular season. Barring a setback, though, he’ll likely return for the playoffs. If you want to find any silver lining to an ugly situation, that’s basically all there is.