Pacers forward Chris Copeland was stabbed outside a New York City nightclub early Wednesday morning. Copeland suffered knife wounds to his left elbow and abdomen, and was admitted to Bellevue Hospital.
Copeland is in stable condition, the team said.
He is scheduled to have surgery Wednesday, according to a source.
“We are aware that Chris Copeland was injured early this morning in New York City,” team president Larry Bird said in a statement. “We are still gathering information and will update when we know more. Our thoughts are with Chris and those injured.”
The incident occurred at 1 OAK night club in New York City at 3:58 a.m., according to the New York Daily News. Copeland — an Orange, New Jersey native — was talking with his friend, 28-year-old Katrine Saltara, just before the stabbing. The two once were engaged but are no longer an item. Shezoy Bleary, 22, was arrested for allegedly stabbing both Copeland and Saltara multiple times.
“We pray that Chris will be OK,” Copeland’s agent, John Spencer of 540SE, told VigilantSports.com. “We’re sure that he’s a strong-willed character and that he’ll pull through it. Condolences to his family because I know they’re worried about him.”
Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha of the Atlanta Hawks, who play in Brooklyn Wednesday, were arrested for obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct, according to the New York Daily News.
The Knicks were the first NBA team to sign Copeland — on a non-guaranteed deal for the 2012-13 season — after he spent years overseas.
The Pacers (34-43) are in New York to play the Knicks (15-62) Wednesday evening. Including tonight, the Pacers have five regular-season games remaining this season.
“We got a pretty headstrong group,” coach Vogel told reporters when asked about the team focus for tonight’s game. “I know they’re going to have Cope on their minds and have great concerned for him. But, like I said, it’s a headstrong, mentally tough group so I think our focus will be good.
“… To hear something like that it hurts. Your thoughts and feelings and emotions are making sure that a family member is OK, but you got to get focused.”
Copeland, 31, has seen little time on the court this year and is on the final year of a two-deal (worth $6.1 million) with the Pacers. He’s averaging 6.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 50 appearances this season.
Pray for my brother Chris!
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) April 8, 2015
Praying for my brother/teammate/friend #cope
— Donald Sloan (@dsloan15) April 8, 2015
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