76ers suspend center Jahlil Okafor for 2 games after fight

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers said Wednesday night they are immediately suspending center Jahlil Okafor for two games, expressing disappointment for recent behavior including a fight outside a Boston nightclub and reckless driving on a bridge.

Sixers officials said in a statement before the team’s game against the Knicks in New York that they will provide resources and support to help him succeed on and off the court.

“We have faith in him as a valued member of the Sixers,” the statement said.

The suspension comes the same day a second video surfaced showing Okafor fighting in Boston, prompting local police to urge anyone who was assaulted to come forward.

The 19-year-old rookie has said he is embarrassed by his behavior. He said the fight happened when he was responding to heckling by fans.

Okafor was also cited in Oct. 19 for reckless driving and speeding on the Ben Franklin Bridge, which connects Philadelphia with New Jersey.

Sixers coach Brett Brown said Tuesday night that Okafor will likely soon be accompanied by team security on public outings.

The videos posted by TMZ appear to show two separate scuffles. In one, Okafor is seen shoving a man. Another shows Okafor shouting and a man lying on the sidewalk bleeding from his face.

“We have a victim from the first incident and we are urging anyone else to come forward if they were assaulted,” said police spokeswoman Myeshia Henderson.

On Friday, one man filed a police report saying he was punched and knocked to the ground, and needed stitches to close a cut above his eye.

The man told police the fight broke out after some of his female friends refused the advances of two other men, including one believed to be Okafor.