The alleged victim of the sexual assault early Tuesday morning in the hotel suite of the Nets’ Andray Blatche told ABC-6 Action News in Philadelphia that Blatche watched from the doorway of the bedroom as she was assaulted, then entered the bedroom but did not have intercourse with her.
“He was not oblivious. He was aware the whole time,” she said of the 26-year-old forward.
Blatche this morning wouldn’t discuss specifics of exactly what went on in the hotel. But he professed his innocence, and insisted that he’ll be vindicated in the end.
“I’m not worried at all,’’ Blatche said. “I know everything…when the truth comes out, then everybody will realize what really happened. In the meantime I can’t really have too much comments on it.’’
Blatche had been with a handful of friends at the club Delilah Monday night into Tuesday morning, celebrating his contract being guaranteed through the end of the season. According to reports, the stripper went with Blatche’s group back to the Four Seasons, and at some point called cops, saying she’d been sexually assaulted by at least one of his pals at around 3:30 a.m.
Blatche was questioned by police and released.
When asked if he needs to revaluate who he hangs out with, Blatche answered “No. Like I said, no. I’m telling you, y’all will hear the truth sooner or later. It’s just a bad situation somebody would say. But trust me, no. when the time comes and I can talk about it, then everybody will realize that it’s not what you think.’’
The woman’s credibility was questioned by none other than Philadelphia police commissioner Charles Ramsey, who surprisingly told the New York Times “She was so intoxicated. She is not going to be a very good witness. From all accounts, (Blatche) was not personally involved…He was there, but he was not involved.”
ABC-6 Philadelphia reported that cops found date-rape drugs in the suite and compromising photos of the alleged victim on his cellphone, although the affiliate later amended the report to say the police were unsure of the substance.
“Right now, it’s still under a legal matter. I don’t really have any comments about it. Until I feel like everything is resolved and everybody will know exactly what’s going on sooner or later. I talked to my teammates, (GM) Billy (King), everybody about it. We all know what’s going on. Everybody’s supporting me and got my back 100%,’’ said Blatche, vague on what he and King discussed.
“I can’t really get into too much about it. We’re just more focused on basketball. We don’t want it to affect basketball, and I’m not going to let it, because I came here to help this team try to get to a championship and win, and that’s what I’m trying to do…I’ve got a job to do, and I’m going to do my job. I’m not going to let nothing distract me.’’
Blatche had one of his best games of the season Tuesday night, hours after he was released from questioning, with 20 points and seven rebounds in a 109-89 win.
He’s averaging 16 points and 10 boards in his last three games, and seemed focused enough that interim coach P.J. Carlesimo hasn’t felt the need to discuss the matter.
“No; he’s fine. Billy spoke with him, so it would’ve been more a reaction if I saw something and I didn’t see anything and he played very well,’’ said Carlesimo. “If something happens that I think you have to sit down and talk to him. A lot of that is stuff that Billy handles.’’
For his part, King declined comment, saying “For us it’s over. For you guys it’s not, but we’re just going to talk basketball.’’