Knicks' Kyle O'Quinn sued over alleged assault of woman

New York Knicks forward Kyle O'Quinn is being sued in connection with an alleged assault of a woman outside a New York restaurant last month, according to Christina Carrega-Woodby of the New York Daily News.

The lawsuit, filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court by a representative for 22-year-old Shakaira Elaine Elie, stems from an alleged incident that began at "a day party [...] at Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant" in Manhattan's Financial District, according to the Daily News:

O’Quinn, 26, of Queens, was with a woman — believed to be his girlfriend — who also allegedly noticed him making googly eyes at Elie and was not paying attention to her, according to the suit’s account.

As the party was winding down, a friend of Elie's went to the restroom as she waited outside for their ride to arrive. O'Quinn, his companion and crew also allegedly made their way out of the party.

[O'Quinn] allegedly tried to talk to Elie, but she wasn’t interested. Nonetheless, his companion allegedly attacked her, the lawsuit says.

O’Quinn allegedly jumped in and grabbed Elie by the neck, according to the court documents.

Marion Conde da Silveira, Elie's attorney, told the Daily News that O'Quinn attacked, choked and slammed Elie "to the ground, not once, but twice." Elie is suing O'Quinn and his girlfriend "for the pain and suffering she sustained from the assault," and Trinity Place "for failing to have proper security."

A spokesman for the agency representing O'Quinn denied the allegations included in the suit in a Sunday statement to ESPN:

"The allegations are completely false, and Kyle looks forward to clearing his name through the legal process." ASM spokesman Daniel Rohme said.

The Knicks said they are aware of the matter but have no comment at this time.

No charges have been filed in the matter; the case reportedly remains under investigation.

A 2012 second-round pick of the Orlando Magic out of Norfolk State, the 26-year-old Queens, N.Y., native joined the Knicks last summer in a sign-and-trade deal that included a four-year, $16 million contract. He appeared in 65 games during his first season in New York, averaging 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 11.8 minutes per game for the Knicks, who finished 30-52 and missed the playoffs for the third straight season.