Hawks’ Sefolosha breaks ankle in night club, out for season

Jan 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenhozer (right) and forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks small forward Thabo Sefolosha breaks his ankle in a night club and is out for the rest of the year.

Hawks small forward Thabo Sefolosha will miss the rest of the NBA season after breaking his ankle at a New York night club on Wednesday, according to a report by SI.com. That incident is the same incident that led to the Pacers Chris Copeland and his female companion being stabbed. Sefolosha and his teammate Pero Antic were both arrested and charged with obstructing government administration when they tried to stop police from setting up a crime scene. Additionally, Sefolosha was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

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Head coach of the Hawks, Mike Budenholzer spoke of his players’ involvement in the altercation, saying that it was unfortunate, but they will continue looking into the facts. He added that they would support the players through the process, but he cannot give further comment as it is now a legal issue.

Sefolosha was acquired by the Hawks in a sign-and-trade over the summer. He missed 23 games with a strained calf, but got back into the action in late March. Playing in 52 games, Sefolosha has an average of 5.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.8 minutes per game. The Hawks currently sit at 59-19 and have the best record in the Eastern Conference.

The Hawks are off on Thursday, but return to action on Friday where they take on the Charlotte Hornets. The Hawks have clinched the conference and thus do not have much to play for in the last four games.

As for the Pacers’ Copeland, he is recovering and in stable condition, according to a report by SI.com. Copeland was stabbed in the elbow and abdomen during the night club incident. He had surgery in both areas. Copeland was in the ICU on Wednesday evening as one of the stab wounds had punctured his diaphragm.

Copeland remains in the New York area hospital and there is so far no time table for when he might return to the court. Time is running out for the Pacers, who are behind the Nets for a playoff spot with four games left to play. Copeland also issued a statement where he apologized for being out late and thanking the fans and the team for their support.

The man who attacked Copeland was arrested, according to a report by ESPN. The suspect is 22 year old Shezoy Bleary and charges are pending.

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