The more we learn about the fight that took place between Blake Griffin a Clippers equipment staffer last weekend, the more childish the incident sounds.
Griffin allegedly punched assistant equipment manager Matias Testi in the face multiple times after the two got into an argument inside a restaurant in Toronto. According to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, the fight was preceded by some “routine” ribbing between Griffin and Testi.
What was supposed to be a dinner among friends in Toronto’s entertainment district on Saturday took a horrific turn when Griffin repeatedly punched Testi, leaving his longtime buddy with a severely swollen face and Griffin with a broken right hand.
Griffin and Testi had engaged in some of their routine back-and-forth teasing when things became heated, with the confrontation starting inside the restaurant and continuing outside and involving multiple blows from Griffin, said a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.
Griffin has since apologized for the altercation, calling it a situation among friends that “escalated.” You can read his full statement here.
While Clippers coach Doc Rivers said he does not believe alcohol was a factor in the fight, a report from TMZ claims witnesses saw Griffin drinking with friends hours before he punched Testi. DeAndre Jordan, who was interviewed by the NBA as part of their investigation, said he is in an awkward place because he is close with both Griffin and Testi.
“It’s a tough situation,” Jordan told the LA Times. “Two guys that I’m super close with and it’s sticky, man. It’s tough.”
Testi downplayed the incident at the scene and told police he was fine, so no report was filed. He is said to be very popular in the Clippers locker room.
We’d be very surprised if no alcohol was involved. These incidents — take this one for example — almost always involve booze. It’s hard to believe someone could get angry enough at their friend to punch him “multiple times” if drinking did not play a role. And, if it didn’t, Testi must have said something that really set Griffin off.
