More on the story from Josh Newman of SNYNets.com: “While Blatche was not directly involved with the alleged sexual assault, this is not the first time the mercurial 26-year-old has been in trouble with the law. In June of 2008, the then-Washington Wizard was arrested in Virginia on charges of reckless driving and driving on a suspended license for the third time. Blatche was waived by the Wizards last July via the amnesty provision before getting a fresh start with the Nets, having signed with the team for the veteran’s minimum in September. Blatche’s contract is for one year and $854, 389 and was non-guaranteed, but had it guaranteed by the Nets on Monday before this incident took place. On Thursday, all contracts league-wide become guaranteed for the rest of the season. The 49th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft out of South Kent School, Blatche has flourished with his new opportunity under ex-Nets head coach Avery Johnson and now interim head coach P.J. Carlesimo. He is averaging 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds, both above his career averages, in 20.6 minutes per game. Most of his work has come with the second unit, of which he is a key part.
In a further update, the Phila. Commissioner revealed that the woman was likely too intoxicated to be a good witness.
Also Blatche was asked by a Phila reporter after today’s shoot around, why the young woman had to go to the hospital so early in the morning. He replied, “maybe she was sick”.
A rape kit has been ordered. The other 2 men who were questioned by police were ages 41 and 25 and not part of the Nets traveling team.
New developments have formally cleared Blatche. He WAS questioned by police (as a possible witness) and the Phila Police Commissioner announced he would NOT be charged.
There isn’t much to this story, except I hope he got enough sleep because he is needed for tonight’s game. He was probably celebrating the formal announcement (at 5PM yesterday) that his contract was no longer conditional.
BTW, Blatche is #9 in the NBA in efficiency (PER) this season, behind his teammate Brook Lopez (#5). Blatche and Lopez are the only players on that top 10 list who aren’t superstars or big All Stars.