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The Houston Rockets, a major NBA team, find themselves embroiled in controversy as their guard, Kevin Porter Jr., faces legal repercussions after allegedly assaulting and strangling his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick. The incident unfolded at the Millennium Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on Monday morning, leading to Porter's arrest.

According to law enforcement sources, Porter returned to the hotel after a night out in the early hours of Monday, only to find himself locked out by Gondrezick, who was upset with his late return. To gain access, Porter sought the assistance of hotel security. Once Porter was allowed inside the room, the alleged assault took place.

Porter reportedly physically assaulted Gondrezick, striking her repeatedly about the face with a closed fist. This resulted in a laceration above her right eye, as well as bruising and substantial pain to her face. The criminal complaint also reveals that Porter forcefully squeezed her neck, causing difficulty in breathing, redness, bruising, and substantial pain to her neck. And Gondrezick was hospitalized with a fractured vertebra in her neck.

Legal Consequences and Porter's Plea

Following the incident, Porter was taken into custody by the authorities and subsequently charged with assault and strangulation. He pleaded not guilty to these charges and was released on a $75,000 cash bail on Tuesday, with a temporary order of protection imposed. A court date has been set for October 16, 2023.

Houston Rockets and NBA Respond

In the wake of these shocking allegations, both the Houston Rockets and the NBA issued statements addressing the situation. The Rockets stated, "We are in the process of gathering information surrounding the matter involving Kevin Porter Jr. We have no further comment at this time." The NBA spokesperson, Mike Bass, added, "The league office is in contact with the Houston Rockets and in the process of gathering more information."

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Porter's Previous Legal Encounter

This isn't the first time that Kevin Porter Jr. has faced legal issues. In November 2020, he was arrested on a weapons charge, although he wasn't indicted at that time. Following the incident, the Cleveland Cavaliers made him inactive for half of the season before eventually trading him to the Houston Rockets in January 2021.

Gondrezick's Response 

Kysre Gondrezick has not yet given a statement to law enforcement regarding the incident. Sources close to the former WNBA player have emphasized that statements attributed to her are inaccurate and misleading. 

Her attorney, Robert Hantman, issued a statement on her behalf, stating, "Ms. Gondrezick wants to express her deep appreciation for the public’s support and prayers. In regards to our client, much that has been written in the press attributing statements to her are misleading and inaccurate. She has not granted nor released any statements on her own volition."

Hantman further conveyed Gondrezick's request for privacy and urged restraint from speculation and judgment regarding the incident, which he assured would be addressed properly and with integrity.

The controversy surrounding the incident has extended to social media, with Kalabrya Haskins, Gondrezick’s sister and wife of the late Dwayne Haskins, posting a message on her Instagram Story. 

The message warned Porter, saying, "Count ya f—ing days. Better hope and pray you’ll be able to ever walk again let alone dribble."