BOSTON — Boston Celtics forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis had surgery Tuesday to repair his broken right thumb after fighting with a childhood friend while riding in an SUV less than two days before the season opener.
A police report identified Davis as the victim and said his friend, Shawn Bridgewater, appeared to be intoxicated.
Davis is expected to miss at least six weeks, though the Celtics said he also could be suspended for his behavior.
While his teammates were in Cleveland on Tuesday preparing for the Celtics’ opening game against the Cavaliers, Davis was undergoing an operation at a Boston hospital. In a statement released by the team, Davis apologized to his teammates, coaches and the organization.
“I am extremely disappointed that this incident occurred and that it will prevent me from starting the season with the rest of my teammates,” he said.
Owner Wyc Grousbeck told the AP that Davis could be suspended for violating the contract, which would pay him about $6 million over the next two years.
“We are talking with his representatives and will likely move to suspend him for a period of time once we have all the facts in front of us,” Grousbeck said. Footnotes.
The Cavaliers began their run toward an NBA title without troubled veteran guard Delonte West.
West, who has battled a mood disorder and other personal problems during a turbulent offseason, was inactive as the Cavs opened their season Tuesday against the Celtics.
• Timberwolves big man Al Jefferson will play in the opener tonight against New Jersey despite battling an Achilles injury in recent weeks.
The Associated Press
