Man accused of trying to punch Rondo

LOWELL, Mass., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A 31-year-old man was arrested after allegedly trying to punch Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo at a club in Lowell, Mass., police said.

Police said Eric Valarezo, of Haverhill, Mass., was arrested by officers who responded to a report of a fight at Brian's Ivy Hall about 1:45 a.m. Saturday, the Boston Globe reported

Club owner Kevin Hayhurst said Rondo, Josh Smith, a forward for the Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nate Robinson were at the club for a promotional event.

Police said Valarezo tried to punch Rondo, 25, as the Celtics player and an entourage walked through a crowd toward the exit.

Valarezo accused Rondo of starting a fight.

"He basically assaulted me by pushing me," Valarezo said. "I pushed him back in defense, and he started swinging at me."

Hayhurst said Rondo and those accompanying him, including bodyguards, "didn't seem aggressive at any point during the night" and that Rondo drank only water and Valarezo did not appear intoxicated.