Cleanthony Early, a forward for the New York Knicks, was reportedly shot in his right knee during a robbery attempt as he left a strip club in Queens early this morning.
Police sources told The New York Daily News that two men with guns and two to four others robbed Early’s jewelry and other items he was carrying as he left CityScapes gentlemen’s club at 4:15 a.m. They even reportedly took the gold caps on his teeth.
Early’s girlfriend was with him in an Uber cab at the time. The Daily News’ sources said that the robbers used three cars to box the couple in.
Early gave the men his gold caps on his teeth, two gold chains, his iPhone and cash before they shot him. They also stole the Uber driver’s ID.
According to ESPN, the 24-year-old Early was taken to Elmhurst Hospital and is now in stable condition.
“We are aware of what occurred with Cleanthony Early this morning and are relieved that he is not in a life-threatening situation,” the Knicks said Wednesday. “We will not comment any further until we receive more information.”
Early is currently in his second season with the Knicks and has only played in 10 games this season.