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Former NY Knicks and Miami Heat player Amar’e Stoudemire has been charged with punching his daughter, Assata Stoudemire.
According to the Miami Herald, Amar’e is facing a misdemeanor battery charge after allegedly punching Assata in the face. Miami-Dade County court records show that he was arrested on Dec. 18 and later released on a $1,500 bond with a no-contact order issued.
The outlet cited a police report, saying the 40-year-old former baller struck the teen–one of his two daughters–during an argument at his Miami home on Dec. 17. While they were arguing, he allegedly confronted her and accused her of being disrespectful to his mom during a phone call. When Assata denied it, he then told her, “You’re talking back again,” and allegedly punched her in the jaw, leaving her bleeding, the report indicated.
“I observed blood stains on the victim’s sweater and sweatpants” it said. “The mother of the victim showed me the photo she received from her daughter, which shows the victim crying and blood running down her face.”
After the alleged incident, the young girl contacted her mother, Amar’e’s ex-wife, Alexis, who picked up the two girls, and their two brothers called the authorities.
When officers arrived at the former NBA player’s home, the police report said, he told them the teen called her mother “because she was sad.” He continued, saying she “was sad because she received a whooping from him for being disrespectful and a liar.”
He then practiced his right to remain silent.
Later that day, he released a statement via Twitter.
“Over the last 24 hours, an incident at my family home led to my being charged with assaulting my daughter. It is an allegation based on a report that does not square with the facts,” he wrote. “I could never see myself
assaulting any person, especially my children. I respect, protect, and love my family, particularly my children. As a father, I ask for your grace as we secure our space and privacy.”
Amar’e reportedly completed his NBA career after making six All-Star teams, averaging 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He retired in 2017 and then began playing in Israel before retiring in 2020.