Former NBA player Patrick Beverley faces a third-degree felony assault charge after he was arrested on Nov. 14.
He was booked at the Fort Bend County, Texas jail and charged with assault, family violence/household member, and impeding a family member’s breathing or circulation, and posted a $40,000 bond.
The arrest circumstances are detailed in a probable cause affidavit obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
According to the affidavit, deputies were dispatched to the home of Beverley’s mother, Lisa, in Rosharon, Texas, a Houston suburb, in the early morning hours of Nov. 14. The mother had called Beverley to confront his teenage sister and her 18-year-old boyfriend, both of whom were in the residence. Upon arriving at the home, Beverley then confronted his sister, who is 15 years old.
The affidavit states that the sister had snuck out to meet her boyfriend, identified as being 18 years old.
‘[Beverley’s sister] stated Beverley grabbed her by her neck with both hands, and picked her up off the ground, by having her feet come up from the floor,’ the affidavit states. ‘[Beverley’s Sister] stated that Patrick Beverley squeezed her neck, causing her to feel pain. [She] felt as she was losing oxygen and not able to breathe.’
The sister also said Beverley laid her on a couch, stood over her, and punched her once in the left eye, adding that he ‘made a statement to her during the assault, to the extent that he will be the family relative to kill her,’ according to the affidavit.
Deputies observed visible neck marks and petechiae (burst blood vessels) in the whites of her eyes, consistent with strangulation.
‘I understand that the affidavit contains some negative details; however, remember that it is only one side of the story – given at a time when emotions were high. As I’ve said before, we don’t believe that the description in that affidavit is accurate, nor is it complete. Patrick is not a violent man and was not violent that night,’ Beverley’s attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins said in a statement.
‘In fact, he was very respectful with the authorities that night and encouraged others to do the same. He is the provider and protector of his family, including his little sister and his mom. He has always looked out for their wellbeing and will continue to do so. I have every expectation that when all the facts are in, Patrick will be cleared of these charges. Until then, I can only ask that everyone keep an open mind and not rush to judgment. Please remember this is America and in our society, Patrick is innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.’
The 37-year-old Beverley played for 12 NBA seasons, including his first five with the Houston Rockets, beginning in the 2012-13 season. He also played with the Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Philadelphia 76ers before ending his career with the Milwaukee Bucks.
He was named to the NBA All-Defensive first team in 2016-17 and the second team in 2013-14 and 2019-20.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text ‘START’ to 88788.