It’s surely been a long five days for Pacers forward Chris Copeland, but he’s finally coming home.
Copeland is returning to Indianapolis on Sunday but don’t expect him to attend that night’s game against Oklahoma City, according to coach Frank Vogel.
Copeland was stabbed in his left elbow and abdomen outside a New York City nightclub around 4:00 a.m. Wednesday morning when the team was in town to play the Knicks. He had surgery later that afternoon.
So many of the players have been in contact with Copeland each day to check in on him. Vogel did not elaborate on their conversations.
And even though he wasn’t playing, his locker in the right corner was still setup as if he were. In his Pacers chair was his yellow mesh bag of undergarments, along with a new yellow handband on top.
Two Pacers, Paul George and Solomon Hill, have worn headbands in the last two games to honor and support their teammate. George said Saturday that he’s going to wear one “until 22 gets back.”
After the incident, Copeland 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.”
After the Pacers earned a win over the Thunder, Copeland was visited by close teammate Donald Sloan.
Chillin wit my manz @OptimusCope
— Donald Sloan (@dsloan15) April 13, 2015