In one of the more bizarre incidents in recent memory, Atlanta Hawks legend, broadcaster and front office executive Dominique Wilkins was physically attacked at Philips Arena after the Hawks' Wednesday win over the Orlando Magic. The attacker, Rashan S. Michel, is a former NBA referee. Michel was taken into custody after the incident, and he told police that Wilkins owed him money.
Dominique Wilkins Attacked By Ex-NBA Referee After Hawks’ Game; Team Releases Statement
As it turns out, Wilkins was able to defend himself rather well. Here’s Michel’s mug shot, via NBA.com’s Sekou Smith:
The Hawks released a brief statement confirming the altercation. Michael worked the NBA as an official several years, and more recently worked as a “custom clothier.” In an interview with an Atlanta radio station Thursday morning, Michel claimed he approached Wilkins to discuss a $13,000 debt, and that Wilkins swung first.
Michel was released on bail Wednesday night. It’s unclear why he left the NBA, where referees make great money and often stick around for decades if they have a choice. The league often culls its ranks of low-performing referees, though it isn’t clear that this happened to Michel.
For more on the incident, visit SB Nation Atlanta.
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