CLEVELAND — The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released body camera and dash camera video footage showing the arrest of Cleveland Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman for impaired driving on Friday evening.
Troopers say the incident happened at 8:53 p.m. as they spotted a white 2022 Lexus committing a traffic violation on Route 2 near East 55th Street in Cleveland.
The dash camera footage from the OSHP shows the 41-year-old Altman attempting to walk a straight line as part of a test for OVI (operating vehicle while impaired). Altman is then shown being placed under arrest.
The body camera footage begins with a trooper instructing Altman to follow the movement of a pen with his eyes only. Altman is then asked to perform the "walk-and-turn" test.
PREVIOUSLY: Cleveland Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman arrested, charged with OVI
While he is receiving instructions, Altman tells the trooper, "I'm exhausted. I just got back from an overseas trip. I promise you I am the president of the Cavaliers. I just got back from an overseas trip as well, I'm exhausted. I had a long dinner. I understand the test. I was just trying to get home."
"The reason I stopped you is you were almost causing accidents," the trooper explained. Altman tried to explain what he was doing on the highway.
"How fast do you think you were going?" the trooper asked.
"I don't know, but I wasn't going over the speed limit," Altman tried to assure the trooper.
After doing the "walk-and-turn" test, Altman was then instructed to do the "one-leg stand" test. "You know I'm in sports and it's hard to keep your balance," he told the trooper. "It should be easier for you," the trooper chuckled.
But moments later, the fun was over. "Have you ever been arrested for OVI?" the trooper asked Altman. "No," the Cavs president of basketball operations replied. Altman is read his Miranda rights before the footage ends.
You can watch the OSHP's video footage of the arrest of Koby Altman below:
Altman was charged with committing a marked lanes violation and OVI. His attorneys entered a not guilty plea on his behalf Tuesday morning.
In its initial release on Saturday, OSHP officials noted that "throughout the traffic stop, Altman was respectful and cooperative."
The Cleveland Cavaliers released the following statement regarding his arrest:
“We are aware of an incident involving Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman. We are currently gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”
In January 2022, Altman was named the President of Basketball Operations in addition to his role as general manager for the Cavaliers after signing a new long-term contract extension. The Brooklyn, New York native has been with the team since August 2012 when he joined as a pro personnel manager.
