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New York police are reportedly investigating a rape allegation against former Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis. Law enforcement sources cited by the New York Post late Saturday said a woman alleged that Porzinigis held her down and raped her in February last year after inviting her to his Manhattan penthouse. The alleged rape is said to have occurred after he suffered a severe knee injury during a game at Madison Square Garden that put him out of commission for the entire rest of the season and is expected to keep him off the court this season as well. The basketball star’s accuser is seen as “believable” by police despite her admission that she discussed getting a $68,000 hush-money payment from Porzingis, according to the Post. She is said to be a neighbor of the Latvian athlete in Midtown West. The NYPD’s Special Victims Division has reportedly taken over the case.
Porzingis' attorney, Roland G. Riopelle, confirmed the complaint, adding that they made a referral to the feds three months ago regarding the matter. “We are aware of the complaint against Mr. Porzingis on Friday and unequivocally deny the allegations,” Riopelle wrote. “We made a formal referral to federal law enforcement on December 20th, 2018, based on the accuser's extortionate demands.”