Houston, TX - For the second time this offseason, Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston has been arrested.
According to the New York Post, Alston was arrested early Monday morning in New York City on charges he slashed a man's neck inside a nightclub. Citing unnamed sources, the Post said that the fight was motivated by money. Alston, an NYC native, was released without bail.
'We became aware of the incident early this morning,' Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said in a statement. 'Obviously, it is troubling that Rafer was again in a situation involving the police. We take these matters very seriously - the Rockets expect all employees to represent the organization in a first-class manner. Until more facts are gathered from all parties, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.'
On August 5, Alston, 31, was arrested for public intoxication and misdemeanor assault. At that time the Rockets released a similar statement and have yet to announce that they have taken any action against Alston.
Alston, who started all 82 games for the Rockets last season and averaged 13.3 points and 5.4 assists, also released a statement regarding the August 5 arrest, regretting what happened and apologizing. He also said, 'I am confident that when the full story is reported, I will be vindicated.'
In 468 career games with Milwaukee, Toronto, Miami and the Rockets Alston has tallied 9.6 points and 4.8 assists per contest.
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