Aug 6, 2007 - 11:27 PM
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The Houston Chronicle reported that Alston, 31, was charged with public intoxication and assault after shaking and spitting in the face of a parking attendant in downtown Houston, according to police.
"Apparently the parking attendant saw that Rafer had parked illegally, did not pay the attendant, and had the vehicle towed," Houston Police spokesman Gabe Ortiz told the newspaper.
Alston assaulted the man when he returned and realized his vehicle had been towed, Ortiz said.
Alston told FOX 26 Sports on Monday that the charges were bogus.
"Didn't do either. Never did nothing to the guy. We got into a shouting match. My car was towed and I was basically asking the parking attendant where he had my car towed to," Alston told the television station. "He blew me off once or twice and we got into a shouting match. There were no hits, nothing transpired. The guy runs off and yells down the street, like, he needed an officer over here. Before you know it, the officer puts me in cuffs and takes me downtown."
Both charges are Class C misdemeanors.
Alston also released a statement Monday expressing regret and saying reports of the incident were overblown.
"Although I regret what happened - and apologize to my fans, teammates and the organization for any distraction - the accounts of what happened are widely exaggerated by individuals that stand to profit," Alston said. "I am confident that when the full story is reported, I will be vindicated."
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey issued a statement Monday morning expressing the team's concern.
"We are aware of the situation and are attempting to get more details about the incident," Morey said. "While we do not have all the facts yet, it is nevertheless very disappointing to have one of our players involved with any police activity. We will continue working with the authorities in order to get to the bottom of the situation."
The 6-2 Alston averaged 13.3 points and 5.4 assists in 82 games with Houston this past season.
Alston has played parts of eight campaigns with the Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 9.6 points and 4.8 assists in 468 career games.
