Thunder center Kendrick Perkins faces assault charge

According to Thunder beat writer Darnell Mayberry, center Kendrick Perkins faces an assault charge in Houston following an alleged altercation outside of a nightclub this July.

Perkins is accused of punching a woman and her brother outside the establishment. The former Celtics big man posted a $1,000 bond on Thursday morning and was not seen at the team’s practice later that afternoon. The case was initially dismissed, but both Perkins and his brother-in-law, Quincy Alpough, were charged when it was re-filed this week. Thunder general manager Sam Presti issued a brief statement concerning the alleged incident.

"We were made aware of the allegations. It is something we take seriously and are gathering more information. We will have no further comment at this time."

According to KHOU.com, which cites various court documents, the incident took place outside the Nox nightclub in Houston. The alleged victim, Miketta Cotton, informed police that she and her brother were leaving the club when their vehicle and another vehicle “backed into each other.” She went on to say that she left her vehicle to talk with the male driver of the other vehicle involved in the incident, and when she approached the car, a woman jumped out of the passenger seat and acted like she was preparing to fight.

The police report goes on to say that Alpough, Perkins’ brother-in-law, exited the vehicle and proceeded to push Cotton, saying, “That’s my cousin.” Cotton’s brother, Ja’Kennan Cotton then left the vehicle after witnessing his sister being pushed. At this time, Cotton alleges, Perkins punched him in the head and shortly thereafter punched Cotton herself with a closed fist. Both siblings were reportedly knocked to the ground by the Oklahoma City Thunder center.

A third woman was reportedly struck in the throat by Alpough’s elbow, which she claims knocked her unconscious. All three victims – the unidentified woman as well as the two siblings – were reportedly kicked by a group of people while lying on the ground.

Perkins had one other run-in with law enforcement, when he was arrested in his hometown in August 2011 on complaints of public intoxication and disorderly conduct. The misdemeanor charges were later dropped after Perkins posted a $150 bond.

The 28 year-old Perkins posted 4.2 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game last season for Oklahoma City.