Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested in New York City early Monday morning for the assault and strangulation of his girlfriend, free agent WNBA star Kysre Gondrezick.
With orders to stay away from Gondrezick, he was released after posting bail, which was set at $75,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
The Seattle native is no stranger to controversy, having garnered headlines for his actions on and off the court.
From his time playing college basketball at USC to being traded from the Cavilers to the Rockets, Porter has often found himself mired in trouble.
Here’s a brief look at his turbulent past:
Jan. 2019: Suspended at USC for “personal conduct issues”
While a freshman at USC, Porter was suspended indefinitely. Details were never shared by coach Andy Enfield, though he claimed “conduct issues” as the reason.
Aug. 2020: Accused of assaulting a women in Cleveland
Porter was accused to have punched and pulled a women’s hair in downtown Cleveland. The altercation reportedly took place while the women was arguing with Porter Jr.’s sister. There were no charges relating to this incident.
Nov. 2020: Three-charge car crash
Porter was involved in a one-car crash that led to three charges: improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, failure to control a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana.
He was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm. All the charges were dropped.
Jan. 2021: Misconduct with Cavaliers management
Former Cleveland GM Koby Altman hit his limit when Porter had an alleged outburst over a miscommunicated locker room configuration. Shortly after, the Cavs shipped him to the Houston Rockets. He finished his time with the Cavaliers with 50 games played, averaging 10 points per game with 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per.
Apr. 2021: Violated NBA’s COVID-19 protocols and rules
The NBA fined Porter $50,000 on April 28 after he visited a strip club in Miami. Keeping him company was teammate Sterling Brown, who was further assaulted outside the establishment. At the time the league prohibited players from attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges and clubs.
Jan. 2022: Halftime blow-up
According to reports, Porter had a mid-game exchange with assistant coach John Lucas while facing the Nuggets on Jan. 1. The guard threw an object at the coach and had to be separated from him. The team listed him as questionable to return to the game — though it was later reported he went to his car and drove home.
“We had a spirited debate [at halftime],” Rockets coach Stephen Silas told reporters postgame. “I have certain demands of this team as far as playing hard. … I wasn’t satisfied with the effort.”
Sept. 2023: Arrested for felony assault and strangulation charges
The alleged attack left Gondrezick with a fractured neck vertebra and a deep cut above her right eye. Prosecutors said he didn’t stop until his girlfriend ran out into the hallway covered in blood.
Porter has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is due back in court in Manhattan on Oct. 16.
