Former Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. has successfully reached a plea deal in a domestic assault case in New York City, allowing him to avoid jail time. Under the agreement, Porter, 23, must complete a court-ordered treatment program and stay out of trouble.
Plea Deal Reached
Porter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation related to an incident that occurred last September at a Manhattan hotel. Prosecutors alleged that Porter attacked his girlfriend, causing a deep cut above her right eye and leaving her covered in blood. However, she has since denied these accusations, labeling them as a “false narrative.”
As part of the deal, Porter must undergo a 26-week Abusive Partner Intervention Program or an equivalent program with a private counselor. In addition, he must adhere to a limited order of protection, attend all court dates, and avoid further arrests.
If Porter complies with the terms of the agreement, he will have the opportunity to withdraw his assault plea after one year. At that time, he will be sentenced to time served for the non-criminal harassment count, effectively clearing his criminal record.
Moving Forward
Porter, who is no longer on an NBA roster, has not played since his arrest. The Houston Rockets traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in October, who subsequently released him. Porter’s lawyers, Phillip Jobe and Stephanie Kelemen, expressed their satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing that it allows him to put the incident and the false allegations behind him.
Disputed Claims
The victim, Kysre Gondrezick, a former WNBA player and Porter’s girlfriend at the time, disputed the allegations made by prosecutors. According to her, the injuries she sustained during the incident do not support the claims made against Porter. Gondrezick criticized the Manhattan district attorney’s office for their handling of the case, claiming it has further exacerbated her trauma.
A Troubled Past
This is not the first time Porter has made headlines for his off-court behavior. In November 2020, while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was arrested after a single-vehicle crash, during which a loaded handgun and marijuana were found in his car. Porter maintained that he was unaware of the gun’s presence, and the charges were eventually dismissed.
Throughout his career, Porter has faced various challenges and disciplinary actions. However, he has also showcased his talent on the court, averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in his last season with the Rockets.
F5 Magazine will continue to follow Kevin Porter Jr.’s journey as he seeks to move forward from this incident and focus on his basketball career.
Source: NBC News