Chris Copeland was well-respected in the locker room.
One year ago — on April 8, 2015 — there was serious concern about Chris Copeland. The then-Pacer was out late into the morning while in New York City and he was stabbed, along with his ex-girlfriend, outside of a popular nightclub.
Copeland suffered knife wounds to his left elbow and abdomen at 3:58 a.m. on a Wednesday morning. He went into surgery and was able to make a full recovery, playing in the NBA this season.
However, Copeland is suing 1 OAK over the incident, per TMZ:
According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, Copeland and his girlfriend got into an argument with two other people leaving the club a year ago. He says the altercation escalated quickly, and one of the strangers stabbed him and Katrina Saltara, his girlfriend. He says they suffered serious injuries.
Copeland says 1 OAK negligently allowed the stabber into the club with a “spring-operated switchblade knife” and did nothing to prevent the stabbing.
The New York Daily News added the following:
Court papers say Bleary-Murdock, 22, of Bushwick, slashed Copeland, 32, in the torso and elbow with a switchblade. Copeland needed 22 stitches. Salter (his ex-girlfriend) also was seriously cut multiple times in her torso, legs and arms..
The couple says they suffered “severe and permanent damages as a result of Murdock’s conduct.”
The 32-year-old signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, to reunite him with his former Knicks teammate Jason Kidd — the Bucks head coach. He played in 24 games, but was waived on Feb. 22 to make room for Steve Novak.
Stories on the incident:
- Copeland admitted into NYC hospital after being stabbed
- Hawks’ Pero Antic says he and Thabo Sefolosha weren’t with Copeland at nightclub
- Copeland releases statement after surgery
- Copeland returning to Indy
- Copeland feeling ‘much better,’ proud of the Pacers’ fight
- Paul George to wear headband ‘until 22 gets back’