Monday, March 17, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
"The guy had a little too much to drink, and it got out of hand," Trent told The Oregonian before a Sunday night game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Police declined to identify the 37-year-old man who was injured, at the man's request. He was treated at a local hospital, where he received stitches in his head and ear.
The fight occurred about 2 a.m. Saturday after the man made "needling comments" to Trent at the Metropolis Restaurant and Bar. Trent had gone there with Blazers forward Clifford Robinson and guard Kenny Anderson after Friday night's win over Cleveland, Portland police Lt. Cliff Madison said.
Trent, 22, told the man to stay back, and the man threw a drink in Trent's face, Madison said. The two began fighting, and Trent hit the man with a pool cue. By the time police arrived, Trent and his teammates were gone.
"This is all I've got to say about it -- it was self-defense," Trent told the newspaper. "It was an unfortunate incident. I wish it hadn't happened. I hope it doesn't happen again."
Madison said Robinson was interviewed before the team left Saturday for Los Angeles, but he was not involved in the fight.
Robinson declined to comment "until whatever happens, happens."
Portland coach P.J. Carlesimo also had no comment.
Police said they plan to interview Trent when the Blazers return from Los Angeles.
Portland attorney Robert C. Weaver Jr., who represented Tonya Harding, contacted police Saturday on Trent's behalf.
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