Blake Griffin stood in front of the media for the first time on Tuesday since the incident with Los Angeles Clippers’ equipment staffer Matias Testi which ended with Griffin broke his hand and the Clippers suspending him for four games. Looking contrite and uncomfortable (though well media-trained), Griffin apologized to just about everyone.
“I just want to say that I have had a lot of time to reflect, and that I am very truly, truly sorry for what happened. It was a situation between two friends that kind of got out of hand and I exercised poor judgment. I have spoken to Matias about it. I have spoken to my teammates about it … coaches. The last people to apologize to are the fans, and to show them how sorry I am for this situation. You know, something I feel awful about.”
Griffin’s name has been bandied about in trade rumors this week, potentially due to this incident. When asked about the potential for being traded, Griffin deflected.
“I’m probably the wrong person to ask about that. You probably have to ask the people who are actually in charge. I’ve been in trade talks before, so, I don’t know, you’re asking the wrong person.”
Griffin refused to go into too much detail about what actually happened between he and Testi and reitterated his desire to “moving forward.” He did say he has spoken with Testi “tons of times” and both attended practice together on Tuesday. Griffin added, “[Testi] actually said it best: ‘This stuff happens and we’re like brothers and we just have to move on.’ ”
Griffin is expected to be sidelined through next month but return for the Clippers in time for the playoffs if they make it.
[Deadspin]
