Rajon Rondo's quickness has been a big part of his success as an NBA player. Apparently, it comes in quite handy off the court as well.
A Haverill man was arrested after he threw a punch (which he missed) at Rondo following a public appearance by the Celtics all-star in Lowell.
Police on the scene told the Lowell Sun that the incident took place at 1:43 a.m. Saturday at Brian's Ivy Hall, located at 74 Merrimack St. in Lowell.
Rondo hosted the Boston Charity Classic basketball game at Harvard University the next night.
According to the Lowell police, Eric Valarezo, 31, attempted to punch Rondo when the event was ending.
The Lowell Sun reported that the club's owner as well as members of Rondo's entourage which included Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (Rondo's high school teammate at Oak Hill Academy) and former Celtic Nate Robinson, helped subdue Valarezo.
Kevin Hayhurst, co-owner of Brian's Ivy Hall, told the Sun that he did not know what initiated the scuffle, but added that Rondo was "unpersonable" and "disrespectful toward patrons."
"It was definitely provoked," Valarezo told the Sun. "I wasn't even intoxicated or anything like that."
Valarezo posted 40 bail for the disorderly conduct charge, which is a misdemeanor. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Lowell District Court.
