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Cops: Dominique Wilkins Attacked after NBA Game
Rashan S. Michel
Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, who serves as an analyst on Atlanta Hawks broadcasts for FOX Sports South, was attacked by a fan at Philips Arena on Wednesday after the Hawks' 85-82 victory over the Orlando Magic, according to a statement released by the Hawks.
Wilkins had just finished a segment on SportSouth's Hawks LIVE postgame show, and was walking away from his on-camera position near courtside when the attack occurred.
The Hawks did not identify the fan, but said he was taken into custody by Atlanta police. The alleged attacker was Rashan S. Michel, 36, a former NBA and college referee. Michel was arrested and charged with one count of simple battery following the incident, which according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, stemmed from a dispute over money owed to him for suits he made for Wilkins.
Michel was released from the Fulton County Jail on $1,000 bond early Thursday morning.
According to reports, Michel hit Wilkins in the chest and also struck a security guard. It was also reported that Michel told police he attacked Wilkins because the former Hawks legend owed him money for suits bought several years ago.
Following is the text of a statement read by Hawks vice president of media relations Arthur Triche to the media after the game:
"The Atlanta Hawks are aware of a postgame altercation involving a fan who allegedly attacked Vice President of Basketball and television analyst Dominique Wilkins. The fan was promptly arrested and was taken into custody by the Atlanta Police Department. At this time the Hawks have no additional information or comment regarding this situation."
NBA reporter Sekou Smith tweeted:
"Sources have informed me that Nique landed three solid blows on his alleged attacker, who swung at Nique but didn't land anything solid."
Michel told police that Wilkins owed him money for suits purchased a few years ago.
After the Dominique Wilkins fight, Michel tweeted: "I call what happened at Philips Arena earlier, Operation Repo...next time have my money!"
Known as "The Human Highlight Film," Wilkins is arguably the greatest player in the organization's history — and definitely its best since relocating to Atlanta — with 26,668 career points. The 51-year-old played from 1982-1999, including his first 11-plus seasons in Atlanta.
In 1997, Michel became the youngest NBA ref in history, joining the league as an official at age 23.
Michel was part of an influx of inexperienced league referees that prompted then-NBA coaches Lenny Wilkens and Randy Wittman to complain to Tomasson about the trend in a December 26, 1999.
Source: AP