Twin brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris, who play for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, are being investigated by local Arizona authorities for their role in a felony aggravated assault. The Morris twins and three others allegedly beat a man up for sending an inappropriate text message to the twins’ mother.
According to USA Today, the Morris twins have denied a role in the attack. They also deny knowing the victim, former NBA player Erik Hood.
Police reports contradict the twins’ claim, however. Apparently Hood showed authorities pictures of him with the twins and also explained that he was a mentor to the boys and even supported them financially for some time when they were in high school.
The alleged attack took place in January. Hood says he was leaving a local basketball game when he was confronted by the Morris brothers, the man who made them aware of the text message and two others. Hood was held down, kicked and punched in the head. He was beaten unconscious and suffered a broken nose.
Hood claims the text message in question was misinterpreted and was not inappropriate.
The Morris twins deny participation in the altercation, but Markieff Morris did admit that the brothers were at the same game where alleged attack occurred.
No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed against the twins or any other men. A spokesman from the Maricopa Country Attorney’s Office told USA Today the case is still being reviewed by prosecutors.
The Morris brothers are the starting forwards for the Phoenix Suns. Markieff is averaging 15.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season. Marcus is averaging 10.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. The Suns are 3.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.