Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin fractured his hand earlier this week following an altercation with a member of the Clippers' equipment staff in Toronto. Griffin punched Matias Testi multiple times and Griffin will now miss 4-6 weeks while he recovers from the hand injury. While the vast majority of NBA fans already know who Griffin is, far fewer know anything about Testi. Here's everything you need to know about Matias Testi, the equipment manager Griffin hit.
Testi's Job:
Testi serves as an assistant equipment manager for the Clippers, a job he's held since 2014. However, his relationship with Griffin dates further back than his time with the Clippers.
Testi & Griffin:
Before their recent run-in, Tesit and Griffin appeared to be close. Testi's Instagram is now private, but he has a few photos of he and Griffin hanging out together.
Griffin wished Testi a happy birthday in 2013, so the duo knew each other before Testi started working for the Clippers. In fact, Testi is tight with DeAndre Jordan as well.
Testi isn't just a staffer; he vacations with Blake & DeAndre. Was part of the crew w/ Blake that went to Houston to sign DJ. Odd situation.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) January 26, 2016
By all accounts, Testi isn't just an equipment manager; he's good friends with Griffin. The fight occurred when Griffin and Testi were out at dinner together.
The Datum Line:
In addition to his job with the Clippers, Testi is heavily involved with the "The Datum Line," a clothing company based out of Los Angeles. Griffin and several others involved with the Clippers have helped promote the company. Griffin even wore a Datum hoodie during a Funny or Die sketch.
Testi's Injuries:
Griffin broke his hand in the altercation, but Testi managed to avoid any fractures. According to the LA Times, Testi has a "severely swollen face" but no fractures.
Investigation Underway:
Head coach Doc Rivers said the Clippers and NBA are investigating what occurred between Testi and Griffin.
"This conduct has no place in our organization and this incident does not represent who we are as a team," Rivers said in a statement. "We are conducting a full investigation with assistance from the NBA. At the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate action will be taken."
As of now, Testi remains employed by the team and Griffin is rehabbing his injured hand.
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