NEW YORK _ Kings forward Matt Barnes is wanted for questioning by the New York Police Department for allegedly choking a woman and assaulting two others at a nightclub early Monday morning, according to TMZ.
"We do not believe a crime was committed," said Barnes' attorney, Alex Spiro, in a statement to The Bee. "We are cooperating with law enforcement and are hopeful no charges will be pressed."
NYPD said there is no update and the police are still waiting to speak with Barnes.
Spiro added, "Matt is cooperating with NYPD's investigation."
The Kings had no comment and referred to Spiro's statement.
According to the report, Barnes said he was defending himself at the Avenue Nightclub after being slapped by a woman that he "accidentally butt bumped" as he went to sit in his VIP booth, which led to Barnes defending himself when several men tried to jump him.
Barnes was reportedly knocked to the floor and one of the men tried to choke him.
USA Today reported citing an unnamed source that footage shows Barnes was "the assailant" from a 911 call that a man had choked a woman and assaulted a man and woman who tried to intervene.
The TMZ report says DeMarcus Cousins stepped in to defend Barnes. In video posted on TMZ, Cousins is heard saying he's not sure what happened, but someone was trying to choke Barnes.
The Kings stayed in New York overnight after Sunday's loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
TMZ has video with Barnes and Cousins leaving the nightclub with team security present. The report said Barnes allegedly choked a woman during an argument and then hit two others who tried to intervene.
In the video Cousins can be heard saying "Matt hit the (expletive) out this (person)."
The Kings' charter flight was due to leave New York Monday afternoon. The Kings' next game is Wednesday at Dallas.
Barnes, 36, is in his first season back with the Kings. His leadership on the court has been praised, and he's one of new Kings' coach Dave Joerger's more trusted players, having been with him last season in Memphis.
Barnes is averaging 7.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He signed a two-year contract with the Kings in July.
