The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has charged Manuel Garcia with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach Joe Boylan in the face after a Houston Rockets home game last Saturday.
The incident occurred at the end of Houston’s 126-123 win at Toyota Center. It is unclear what prompted the altercation or where in the building the it took place. Additionally, Garcia’s girlfriend was arrested for allegedly preventing police from getting to him.
“We will get to the bottom of this and hold them both accountable for their actions,” prosecutor Nathan Beedle told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Beedle would not speculate on a potential motive.
The Rockets have already banned the fan for life, ESPN reported. With the team set to begin a four-game road trip, the next home game is not until next Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Boylan previously worked as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies before taking a job on the staff of Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry prior to the 2018-19 season. This summer, the Pelicans promoted Boylan to director of player development while keeping his assistant coach title.
Aside from Gentry and Boylan, the Pelicans coaching staff includes a pair of former Houston assistants in Chris Finch (associate head coach, offense) and Jeff Bzdelik (associate head coach, defense).
