In unfortunate news for Lakers fans, rookie Derrick Caracter was arrested early Sunday morning after a physical altercation at an IHOP restaurant in New Orleans, LA.
Supposedly, the 22-year-old rookie pushed a female cashier after he was refused service. No injuries to the woman have been reported.
The current charges against Caracter are battery, public drunkenness and resisting arrest.
At first, reports claimed the woman was pregnant, yet those claims have since been denied.
Reports claim Caracter was released on Sunday on $1,000 bond. The Lakers are aware of the case and charges, but have no further comments.
Caracter was inactive for Sunday’s game and further speculation shows he’ll most likely be done for the playoffs.
Currently, Caracter averages two points and one rebound in 41 games for the Lakers.
As unfortunate as the nature of the act is, it is sad to see this happen to a troubled youth like Caracter. His biggest knock coming into college, and then the NBA, was his lack of hard work/effort and his questionable decision making. This just proves those claims right (for now).
Obviously we all make mistakes, but regardless of being intoxicated or not, Caracter should have not pushed a woman under any circumstances. There are no excuses that condone such a travesty.
Despite remaining on the team this long, Caracter has been a major disappointment after destroying the competition in Summer League and looking like a potential NBA contributor. He has not panned out, yet, and after this news, his days with the Lakers may be numbered.
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