Former Toronto Raptors center, Jonas Valanciunas, is facing felony charges after an altercation at a nightclub in his hometown of Vilnius, Lithuania. The incident occurred late Friday night, when Valanciunas reportedly got into a heated argument with a group of patrons at the popular nightclub, Club Vendetta.
According to witnesses, Valanciunas was seen yelling and shoving one of the patrons, before security guards intervened and attempted to diffuse the situation. However, the 7-foot-1 Lithuanian basketball star refused to back down, and allegedly punched one of the security guards in the face, causing a minor injury.
Police were called to the scene and Valanciunas was arrested on charges of assault and battery. He was released on bail the following day, but now faces felony charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
This incident comes as a shock to many, as Valanciunas has always been known for his calm and composed demeanor both on and off the court. The 29-year-old played for the Raptors for seven seasons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019. He currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Valanciunas has issued a statement apologizing for his actions and expressing regret for his behavior. He has assured fans and the public that he will cooperate fully with the authorities and take responsibility for his actions.
The Raptors organization has also released a statement condemning Valanciunas’ actions and expressing their disappointment in his behavior. They have stated that they will fully support the legal process and take appropriate action as more information becomes available.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Jonas Valanciunas, but one thing is certain: this incident has tarnished his reputation and could have serious consequences for his career. Fans and teammates alike are left wondering what could have led the former Raptors center to such a drastic and violent outburst.
