Houston Rockets' Kyle Lowry Charged with Misdemeanor Battery

Last September in a basketball game involving Houston's Kyle Lowry and other NBA players in Las Vegas, Lowry allegedly heaved a basketball at a female referee after the game was over (via My Fox Houston).

Then, also according to My Fox Houston, he stated "B#$%*, meet me outside. I will kick your a$%". Later, when the referee went to go change her shoes and clothing, she was hit again with a basketball thrown by Lowry at a "high rate of speed".

Now a criminal complaint has been filed against him in Las Vegas for misdemeanor battery and he is summoned to appear in court February 2nd. Lowry faces up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.  

Deborah Ruiz with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department writes:

"

In that the victim was acting in the capacity of a referee during the game, she is considered a protected person. The suspect knowingly threw a basketball at her after the game ended for calls he didn't agree with. The victim and both witnesses believe that his intent was to hurt her and that he could have hurt anyone of them by his actions. (My Fox Houston).

"

Houston Rockets general manager, Daryl Morey would not comment on the legal matter other than to acknowledge they were aware of the complaint.

Lowry is averaging 15.3 points, two steals, 10 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game. There is no doubt any loss of playing time for Lowry resulting from his behavior would be a blow for the already-struggling Rockets.