Pacers: Chris Copeland is in 'stable condition' after stabbing incident
The Indiana Pacers released an update on Thursday regarding the status of forward Chris Copeland, who was stabbed in the abdomen outside of a New York City nightclub early Wednesday morning.
A female companion reportedly was stabbed in the incident, and Atlanta Hawks players Thabo Sefolosha and Pero Antic were arrested. Sefolosha and Antic reportedly were charged with obstructing governmental administration after trying to prevent police from setting up a crime scene.
The Pacers said that Copeland also suffered a knife wound to the elbow and later had surgery on his elbow and abdomen. As of Wednesday evening, Copeland was in the ICU following the surgery because the knife punctured his diaphragm, according toThe Indianapolis Star.
On Thursday, the team said that Copeland is in "stable condition at a New York City hospital" and that there is "no timetable for how long he will remain in the hospital."
In a statement, Copeland said, "I want to thank all the fans, friends, teammates, coaches and the Pacers organization for their support and prayers during this time. I also want to apologize to everyone, particularly the NBA and the Pacers for my bad choice at being out at that time. I am doing as well as can be expected and I will work hard to make a full recovery."
Copeland, 31, appeared in 56 games with the New York Knicks during the 2012-2013 season and signed a two-year, $6.1 million deal with Indiana in July 2013. He has averaged 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and one assist while shooting 36.1% from the field in 50 games this season.
- Scooby Axson and Chris Johnson
