NBA Player Corey Benjamin Apologizes After Daughter Sucker Punches Opponent During High School Basketball Game
Corey Benjamin, a former NBA player, is apologizing for his daughter’s actions after she was accused of punching a player on the opposing team during a basketball tournament.
The 15-year-old victim’s mother said her daughter was disoriented from a concussion following the strike last week and has filed a police report.
Benjamin was not at the game but saw the now-viral video and was saddened by what he saw. An attorney for the victim’s family said they would like to see both the daughter and her mother, who reportedly encouraged her to strike the victim to be held accountable.
“This is not how I raised my daughter,” Benjamin, who played for the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, told NBC Los Angeles. “To the young lady who was punched by my daughter during a youth basketball game, I sincerely apologize to you, and I am praying for your complete healing both physically and emotionally. To her family, I deeply apologize and regret that this happened to your daughter as she did not deserve this to happen to her. Finally, I apologize to all of those who have been impacted and hurt by the actions of my daughter as well as those of her mother. I am here for your family and wish only the best for you.”
He added: “As a father, I’m shocked and disappointed at my daughter’s behavior as this is not a reflection of the values and standards that my family holds. Nor does it exemplify the values, character, and spirit of sportsmanship that the game of basketball requires. My daughter made a mistake. One that she will need to make right. I am committed to getting my daughter any help she may need and support her in taking accountability for her conduct.”
The incident happened in the final game of a fall tournament last Sunday (November 7). Video shows a player from the opposing Dream Academy shooting a shot and missing, but then shortly after the player takes a swing at the victim after her mother yells, “You better go hit her.” The game subsequently ended.
