NYPD Investigates Kristaps Porzingis Rape Allegations, Police Says Victim Is ‘Credible’

The Dallas Mavericks’ Latvian giant Kristaps Porzingis, the tallest active player in the NBA, is probably in trouble with the New York City Police Department.

The clean-shaven and boyish Porzingis is facing investigation for allegedly raping a woman on Feb. 2, 2018 in New York City and agreeing to pay her $68,000 to keep quiet about it. At the time, Porzingis was playing for the New York Knicks.

Citing a high-ranking New York Police Department official, the The New York Post said the woman lived in the same luxury apartment in Manhattan as Porzingis. It said the woman accepted Porzingis’ invitation to visit his apartment hours after Porzingis sustained a season-ending ACL injury.

The woman said Porzingis, 23, then raped her but promised to pay for her brother’s college tuition, which he didn’t. The alleged rape, which the woman revealed March 29, is being investigated by the NYPD’s Special Victims Division. The report notes that police consider the victim "credible."

The allegation was quickly denied by Porzingis’ lawyer, who sees this as an attempt to extort Porzingis. Porzingis has not been charged by authorities and denies the allegation.

"We are aware of the complaint that was made against Mr. Porzingis on Friday and unequivocally deny the allegations," said Roland G. Riopelle, a lawyer for the Dallas Mavericks, which is owned by businessman Mark Cuban.

"We made a formal referral to federal law enforcement on December 20, 2018, based on the accuser's extortionate demands. We also alerted the National Basketball Association months ago and they are aware of the ongoing investigation of the accuser by federal law enforcement.

“We cannot comment further on an ongoing federal investigation. Please refer any questions to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the National Basketball Association."

Riopelle sald the extortion attempt is being investigated by the FBI.

NBA vice president of communication Mike Bass confirmed the league is aware of Porzingis’ situation.