Source: Pacers' Copeland out of NY hospital
Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland was released from a New York hospital two days after a Wednesday morning stabbing incident, a source told ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
Copeland suffered knife wounds to his left elbow and abdomen, and a source told Anderson the knife blade touched his diaphragm and fractured a rib. In addition, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN’s Chris Broussard that Copeland fractured his elbow. He also suffered lacerations to his left hand.
Copeland was in stable condition Thursday after undergoing surgery. He had been expected to remain in intensive care for two or three more days, the source told Anderson, because doctors wanted to clear the wound on Copeland’s elbow to prevent infection.
In a statement Thursday, Copeland said, “I just want to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers. I’m overwhelmed with the outpouring of support. I look forward to coming back stronger than ever. Thank you.”
The man who attacked Copeland was arrested, and two members of the Atlanta Hawks, Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha, in town to play the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, were also charged for trying to prevent police from setting up a crime scene. Sefolosha broke his leg during the incident, which is under investigation by the National Basketball Players Association and the Hawks.
A 28-year-old woman, Katrine Saltara, was also stabbed, police said. Saltara, who lives in New York, and Copeland had been engaged.
The suspect, Shezoy Bleary, 22, was charged with assault Thursday.
The violence broke out just before 4 a.m. Wednesday outside 1Oak Club, a trendy Chelsea spot where celebs such as Justin Bieber and Snoop Dogg mingle with Manhattan partygoers.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Chris Broussard, Ian Begley and Ohm Youngmisuk and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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