Phoenix Suns forwards Markieff, Marcus Morris accused of assault
Police in Phoenix are investigating allegations that Suns forwards Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris committed felony aggravated assault against a man after a basketball game in January, the Arizona Republicreports.
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The Morris twins and three others are accused of assault after a man allegedly sent "inappropriate" text messages to their mother. No one has been arrested and no charges have been filed as the Maricopa County District Attorney's Office continues its investigation. The Morris twins reportedly denied assaulting the man.
According to a police report, the man who was allegedly assaulted, Erik Hood, told authorities that he was a mentor to the Morris twins when they were younger.
The assault allegedly happened January 24, where Hood and another woman had been watching a basketball game. Hood told police that he and the woman were attacked by a man named Julius Kane. Hood was punched in the head and tried to run but was caught by another man, while at least three others attacked him, according to the police report. He suffered a broken nose and abrasions in the attack.
Markieff Morris denied being part of the group of attackers but said he was at the game.
Sports Siblings
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Joey and Stephen Graham
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Keith and Kerry Cash
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"The Phoenix Suns are aware of an investigation by the Phoenix Police Department of an alleged assault. We have no information beyond what has been alleged in the police report and therefore have no further comment on the matter at this time," Suns president of basketball operations Lon Babby said in a statement. "Our organization will closely monitor developments as the legal process unfolds."
Before the season, both players signed four-year contracts worth a combined $52 million. Markieff will earn $32 million, while Marcus will make $20 million.
They played together in college at Kansas and were the 13th and 14th picks in the 2011 draft.
Markieff Morris is averaging 15.4 points and 6.1 rebounds this season, while Marcus Morris is averaging 10.5 points and 4.6 rebounds a game.
- Scooby Axson