NBA Concludes Kevin Porter Jr. Investigation, Issues Suspension Covered by Time Already Missed
The NBA has officially concluded its investigation into the September 2023 domestic violence incident involving Kevin Porter Jr., issuing a four-game suspension. However, in an agreement with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the league has determined that the suspension has already been satisfied due to the time Porter Jr. has been out of the NBA since the incident.
Key Details of the Suspension and Agreement
According to reports, the four-game suspension will not require Porter Jr. to miss any additional games. This decision comes after a period in which Porter Jr.'s career was significantly impacted by the legal proceedings and subsequent public scrutiny following his arrest in September 2023.
Timeline of Events: From Arrest to Current Status
The investigation stems from an incident on September 11, 2023, when Porter Jr. was arrested in Manhattan and initially charged with second-degree assault and strangulation related to a domestic dispute with his then-girlfriend, Kysre Gondrezick.
In October 2023, the Houston Rockets, who held Porter Jr.'s contract, traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who promptly waived him. This move effectively removed him from the NBA as legal proceedings continued.
Porter Jr. accepted a plea deal on January 23, 2024, pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation. As part of the agreement, he was mandated to complete a domestic violence intervention program.
During the 2023-2024 NBA season, Porter Jr. played professionally in Greece. The NBA's investigation was temporarily suspended during this period, as he was not under the league's jurisdiction.
In July 2024, Porter Jr. signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, which prompted the NBA to resume its investigation.
The Clippers later traded Porter Jr. to the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2025.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Porter Jr. signed a new two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in early July 2025, after initially declining his player option.
The Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Initial reports from New York prosecutors alleged that Gondrezick suffered a fractured neck vertebra and a deep cut above her eye. However, the second-degree assault charge was later dropped after it was determined that the vertebra fracture was a congenital condition, not a result of the altercation. Porter Jr. ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless assault and a harassment violation.
Kysre Gondrezick's Statements
Kysre Gondrezick publicly denied certain aspects of the initial reports, stating that Porter Jr. "never balled his fists up and hit me." She also attributed her vertebra fracture to a congenital defect rather than the alleged assault.
Stakeholders Involved
Several key stakeholders have been involved in this situation:
- Kevin Porter Jr.: The player at the center of the investigation, now with the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Kysre Gondrezick: Porter Jr.'s former girlfriend and the alleged victim.
- NBA: Responsible for the investigation and disciplinary action under its domestic violence policy.
- NBPA: The players' union, which agreed to the "time served" suspension.
- Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks: Teams involved in Porter Jr.'s contract and trade history.
Public and Professional Reactions
The NBA's decision to deem the suspension "time served" has sparked mixed reactions. Online discussions, including those on platforms like Reddit, reflect varying opinions, with some expressing disappointment that Porter Jr. will not miss additional games, while others acknowledge the significant time he has already spent away from the league.
The Athletic's Law Murray reported the agreement between the NBA and the NBPA regarding the "time served" suspension.
Potential Implications
While Kevin Porter Jr. is now eligible to play in the upcoming NBA season, the incident and subsequent legal proceedings have undoubtedly impacted his reputation. His ability to fully reintegrate into the league and regain public trust will be an ongoing challenge. The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to offer him a new contract amidst the unresolved investigation also attracted scrutiny.
