Being a current or former NBA star has its drawbacks. Wherever you go, people often seek your attention, turning even relaxed activities like family dinners into stressful situations. Scottie Pippen has faced this challenge many times, but an incident in June 2013 probably takes the crown.
At that time, autograph seeker Camran Shafighi approached the Bulls legend outside a Malibu restaurant. When Shafighi asked for a photo, he received something unexpected. Allegedly, ‘Pip’ spat in his face, pushed him, and then punched him to the ground. Later, in Shafighi's ensuing lawsuit, this was characterized as a "brutal and unjustified physical attack."
“At no time did or could Mr Shafighi physically provoke or fight back, as he was knocked unconscious with the first blow," the suit further stated, per the L.A. Times .
Shafighi alleged that the attack was unprovoked
In most lawsuits, including this one, there are two sides to the story. The plaintiff's side, which has already been touched on above, included his claim of having no bad intentions at all. Shafighi alleged that he had simply asked the former basketball star for an autograph for his girlfriend's 12-year-old son. He found Scottie's alleged "brutal" response completely baffling.
Given that the retired player had earned over $100 million in total salaries during his NBA career with the Bulls , Rockets, and Trail Blazers, the plaintiff was anticipating a substantial payout. Shafighi sought $4 million in damages in his lawsuit, then filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, mainly for the physical and emotional distress he claimed to have experienced.
However, following the incident, after which Shafighi was rushed to UCLA Medical Center, doctors actually found no serious injuries, and he was promptly released. The next day, the man returned to the emergency room, alleging fractured ribs and an injured ankle. Once again, doctors dismissed his claims.
Related: "I've never been so depressed in my life" - Robert Horry might've never won seven championships if he hadn't experienced his turning point in 1994
Pippen was not found at fault
What was found, however, during both hospital stays was that Shafighi allegedly had a significant issue with alcohol, which brings up Scottie's side of the story.
During the first stay, the autograph seeker recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.18%, double the legal limit for intoxication in the state. In his second one, which the opposing party claimed was to “create a narrative," he was also reported to be "extremely intoxicated."
The same alcohol abuse, according to Pippen's lawyers, was present during the incident outside the sushi restaurant. They claimed the drunken plaintiff was completely out of control, allegedly hurling racial slurs at the six-time NBA champ and threatening him and his children. Thus, they labeled Scottie's reaction as “justifiable,” while the counter-spitting was deemed “unprosecutable.”
With that perspective, Los Angeles County prosecutors ultimately agreed, determining there wasn't enough evidence to file assault charges against the 1995 steals leader.
In the end, this situation highlights another downside of living in the public eye: some may try to exploit others' wealth for personal gain. It should serve as a valuable lesson for upcoming NBA players.
Related: "Frequently it was heated" — Steve Kerr claims Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's conversations in practice usually had tension
Local News
