Longtime Los Angeles Clippers fan Darrell Bailey, who is better known as "Clipper Darrell," alleged Saturday that he was assaulted by a security guard at a Clippers game in December.
In a statement shared by ESPN's Marc J. Spears, Clipper Darrell alleged that a security guard at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles knocked him unconscious at the Dec. 12 game between the Clippers and Boston Celtics:
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpearsStatement from Clippers super fan <a href="">@clipperdarrell</a>. "Clipper Darrell" Bailey was "assaulted and knocked unconscious" in LA by a <a href=""> Arena security guard inside the arena at a 12/12 game between the Clippers and the Celtics. He hasn't been to a LAC game since. <a href="">
Clipper Darrell noted that the injuries suffered during the alleged assault are the reason for him being absent from Clippers games since Dec. 12 after previously having missed only two home games since becoming a season-ticket holder in 2000.
While Clipper Darrell didn't confirm the incident until now, TMZ Sports first reported that he was punched by a security guard last month.
TMZ Sports also released video of the alleged assault, which appears to show a security guard in a red shirt preventing Clipper Darrell from walking through the concourse before punching him, which knocked Clipper Darrell to the floor:
Crypto.com Arena president Lee Zeidman released a statement to TMZ Sports saying the security guard was fired and arrested:
"Clipper Darrell became involved in a verbal and then physical altercation. After receiving immediate medical attention, Darell was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
"An investigation of the incident was launched which determined the employee's behavior to be a direct violation of our training and approved responses resulting in the immediate termination and arrest of the employee by the LAPD."
Zeidman added that the altercation began when security was attempting to direct Clipper Darrell and other fans to the exits.
Clipper Darrell has long been a recognizable presence at Clippers games due to his unique look and penchant for taunting the opposition in a fun way.
Donning his trademark half-red, half-blue suit, Clipper Darrell often dances, leads chants and attempts to distract opposing players shooting free throws, making him one of the NBA's best-known fans.
The Clippers are in seventh place in the Western Conference this season at 21-20. Their next game is at home against Atlanta on Sunday.
