Jordan Hill: Lakers Player Charged with Felony Assault for Choking Family Member
Los Angeles Lakers’ center Jordan Hill has been charged with felony assault for allegedly choking a family member on February 29, according to a report by the TMZ staff.
ESPN.com news services have confirmed the story.
Update: Tuesday, May 1 at 2:50 p.m. ET
Jordan Hill will be on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 against the Nuggets. ESPN's Dave McMenamin tweeted out the update.
"Jordan Hill was at Lakers shootaround Tuesday and Mike Brown said he'll play in Game 2
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 1, 2012"
They found that the Harris County District Attorney filed the felony assault charge in Houston. The former University of Arizona star was playing in the city as a member of the Rockets at the time the incident allegedly took place.
Hill will have to make an appearance in Houston to face the third-degree felony charge. If convicted, he could be facing a two-to-ten year prison sentence and a $10,000 dollar fine.
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the "family member" was someone the NBA player was dating. Under Texas laws prohibiting domestic violence, a "dating relationship" can be defined in that way. The person accusing Hill was granted a protective order against him as well.
UPDATE: Monday, April 30th at 5:30 p.m. EDT by Josh Martin
According to Kevin Ding of The Orange County Register, Hill issued an official apology on Monday for creating a distraction amidst the Lakers' playoff run:
"Jordan Hill statement: "I'd like to apologize to the Lakers organization and to all of their fans for the untimeliness of these accusations"
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) April 30, 2012"
"More Hill: "I promise to keep my focus and attention on the playoffs during this time and to helping my team win another championship."
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) April 30, 2012"
-----
Hill was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers at the March 15 NBA trade deadline in exchange for veteran point guard Derek Fisher and a 2012 first-round draft pick.
He’s seen action in seven games, starting in one and averaging 4.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 11.7 minutes per contest.
Hill’s most notable performance as a Laker came in a double-overtime thriller late in the regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He took over for a struggling Andrew Bynum and was a major contributor down the stretch, finishing with 14 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
In Game 1 of the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Hill logged 24 minutes of playing time and put up 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
If these charges prevent Hill from playing, it will definitely hurt L.A.’s chances in the postseason.
The team has little depth at the power forward and center positions, meaning they would have to give ineffective players like Troy Murphy and Josh McRoberts increased playing time.
With an already thin roster after the suspension of Metta World Peace, losing Hill is the last thing the Lakers need right now.
