Former NBA referee, Rashan S. Michel faces assault charge after attacking NBA Hall of Famer, Dominique Wilkins
Former National Basketball Association (NBA) referee, Rashan S. Michel has been charged $12,500 after attacking the NBA Hall of Famer, Dominique Wilkins. The incident took place right after the Atlanta Hawks’ hard-fought 85-82 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic on Wednesday night at Philips Arena.
Michel attacked Wilkins, while he was on his way from performing his television duties as TV analyst for the Hawks. Wilkins, however, was not hurt in the incident.
The spokesperson of the Atlanta police, Carlos Campos said, "It appears the gentleman came down after the game. Mr. Wilkins was giving a live broadcast and he started yelling some things, confronting Mr. Wilkins." "When Mr. Wilkins stepped away to de-escalate the situation, Mr. Michel pursued Mr. Wilkins to the point that he physically attacked him."
The Atlanta Police instantly arrested Michel, who was then taken in custody for investigation. The police released 36-year-old Michel early Thursday morning after paying $1,000 for bail. Michel was charged for harming Wilkins and a security guard of Philips Arena.
According to early reports, the root cause of the dispute was traced to Wilkins owning Michel $12,500 for custom-made suits that the former had purchased from his clothing business. However, Wilkins denied all claims.
Campos told the reporters, "Apparently, Mr. Wilkins was under the impression it was a gift.”
After being released, Michel tried to explain the situation to his fans through a local radio interview. He said, "I was like, “let’s handle this like men, work out a payment plan,'" Michel said on the Frank and Wanda Morning Show on V-103.” "I call what happened at Philips Arena earlier, Operation Repo. ... Next time have my money!”
After three months when Michel failed to receive any positive response, he decided to act upon some street justice himself. Wilkins’ "The Human Highlight Film” garnered three strong punches while, Michel had a deep bruise under his left eye.
Michel said that he did whatever he could in order to get his money back through a peaceful dialogue, and was hoping to settle down the dispute without taking it to court. However, he was rewarded in form of a powerful punch and a $12,500 fine. Michel is now confident of recovering his money through more legal action.
"My attorney is going to subpoena it all," Michel said. "You will be able to see it when it is all said and done."
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