It's a good thing he's not playing in the NFL

Alston charged with assault in New York stabbing

NEW YORK -- Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston was released without bail on Tuesday after being charged with stabbing a man at a Manhattan nightspot -- his second brush with the law this month.


Police arrested Alston, 31, early Monday on felony assault charges after responding to a brawl at a nightclub. A criminal complaint alleges that amid the ruckus, he slashed a man at the club in the neck.

Alston, who grew up in Queens, was ordered to return to court on Jan. 3. His attorney did not immediately respond to a telephone message.

The arrest came three weeks after Alston was charged with misdemeanor assault and public intoxication in Houston.

Alston was accused of grabbing a parking attendant's arm, shaking him and spitting on him after Alston's vehicle was towed from a lot. The attendant said Alston parked illegally and did not pay.

Alston told a Houston television station he got into a shouting match with the attendant but "nothing transpired."

The 6-foot-2 player out of Fresno State joined the NBA during the 1999-2000 season with Milwaukee. He signed with the Rockets in 2004 and averaged 13.3 points last season.