Former Blazers G Rudy Fernandez Is "Fine" After Attack By Fan In Lithuania

On Thursday, we noted reports that former Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez was attacked by a fan following a Euroleague game between Real Madrid and Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania.

Euroleague has issued an official statement on the incident, which includes plans to investigate further. A statement from Fernandez was also released.

Euroleague Basketball has opened an investigation into incidents that took place after an overtime victory by Real Madrid on the road against Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania on Thursday night. Real Madrid has reported the incident and is preparing all documents concerning an alleged aggression by fans against player Rudy Fernandez. The alleged aggression took place as Real Madrid was boarding its team bus after the game. Euroleague Basketball has asked Zalgiris Kaunas to provide its own official report of the incidents, including details of its security procedures. The reports of both teams plus additional information from sources such as the Kaunas police will be forwarded to the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Judge for immediate investigation. Euroleague Basketball condemns any and all violence, on or off the court, that takes away from the good sportsmanship displayed by the vast majority of players and fans.

Upon returning to Madrid on Friday, Rudy Fernandez made the following statements:

"I am fine. Thank God things did not go further. I have to say thanks for the support of everyone that has contacted me through social networks and private messages. I am not enjoying this; people have to know that basketball cannot get dirty this way. Things like this don't have to happen again. I think that people should not think that all Lithuanian fans are like that just because of these two people. Not at all. In the game, as always in all games, there was some tension, but I was respected at all times, which is the most important thing. This happened because of these two and that's the image I keep. Something worse could have happened; I hope it never happens again. I hope [the media] respect me a bit because I am struggling, but I would like to thank those who have supported me and will carry on supporting me."

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter