Scottie Pippen, the 47-year-old, 6-foot-8 former Bulls star who played sidekick to Michael Jordan in six championship seasons for the Bulls, was accused of beating the crap out of someone who wanted an autograph, reports TMZ.
Twitter exploded today with the news of "Scottie Pippen arrested," spurred by TMZ's early reports. But Los Angeles County sheriff's office spokesman Steve Whitmore tells the Chicago Tribune:
Mr. Pippen will not be arrested, there's more here than meets the eye.
Here's what you should know.
1. The Fight Went Down at a Posh Celeb Hangout
The incident reportedly happened Sunday night outside the trendy Nobu restaurant in Malibu, a popular celebrity hangout co-owned by Robert De Niro. CBS reports the incident occurred at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot.
Nobu Malibu. (Getty Images)
2. The 'Victim' Ended Up in the Hospital
The victim was reportedly hospitalized with serious injuries including broken teeth. According to some reports, witnesses saw Pippen punch the man, said to be in his 50s, and proceed to kick him. But again, early reports were partially debunked, so we'll reserve judgment.
3. Pippen Was Cooperative With Authorities
Pippen was reportedly wanted on charges of felony assault with intent to cause great bodily injury in relation to the case. He reportedly turned himself in today — to the Lost Hills Sheriff's Department — after having left the scene of the incident the previous night.
#BREAKING: #NBA legend #ScottiePippen turns himself in to Lost Hills Sheriff's for questioning in #Malibu assault. Details @CBSLA
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) June 24, 2013
According to a reporter on the scene, Pippen has yet to be booked on any charges — and in fact was allowed to drive away.
Add #Pippen interrogation: Online reports of his booking are premature--no decision yet, according to Sheriff's Det. Lt. Dave Thompson.
— Patrick Healy (@PatrickNBCLA) June 24, 2013
Scottie #Pippen left Sheriff's Lost Hills Station minutes ago. Not a word on what charge--if any--he will face. http://t.co/DEPfBTrmB6
— Patrick Healy (@PatrickNBCLA) June 24, 2013
4. Pippen is a Family Man
Pippen's wife, Larsa, is starring on Real Housewives of Miami. Pippen has five kids, four of them with Larsa.
5. He Had Some More Bad (and Unfair) Press Last Year
In 2012, Pippen sued various news agency that erroneously reported he had declared bankruptcy. Pippen remains employed the Chicago Bulls and was elevated last year to senior advisor to the president.
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