Chris Copeland releases statement after surgery

Chris Copeland is in stable condition at a New York City hospital after undergoing surgery Wednesday afternoon. Surgery was necessary on his left elbow and abdomen after he was stabbed outside a nightclub around 4:00 a.m. that morning.

There is currently no timetable for when he will be released from the hospital.

On Thursday, Copeland — a native of Orange, New Jersey — released the following statement through the team:

“I want to thank all the fans, friends, teammates, coaches and the Pacers organization for their support and prayers during this time. I also want to apologize to everyone, particularly the NBA and the Pacers for my bad choice at being out at that time. I am doing as well as can be expected and I will work hard to make a full recovery.”

The apology is unnecessary from Copeland, but it is so like him — grounded, thoughtful, and caring of others. It was just a very unfortunate situation.

Copeland and his close friend, Katrine Saltara, were talking outside 1OAK nightclub when Copeland was approached by a stranger trying to sell him on something, according to a source close to Copeland. When Copeland was then attacked by this man with a knife, Saltara came to his defense — even jumping on the attacker — and also suffered multiple wounds. The source insists that, contrary to reports, there was no argument between Copeland and Saltara. The two were previously engaged but are no longer an item.

Shevoy Bleary, who stabbed Copeland and Saltara, was charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon Thursday in Manhattan criminal court, according to the Associated Press.

All that matters right now is Copeland’s health and that he makes a full recovery, but from a basketball standpoint, you’ve likely seen the last of him in a Pacers uniform. He’s on the final year of a two-year deal and the team has four games left. Their regular-season finale is on April 15th at Memphis, and there is a chance the Pacers could qualify for the postseason by winning out and getting some help.

Playing in his third NBA season, Copeland appeared in 50 games this season, but just six of the last of 19 games. He’s averaging 6.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.