CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have released a new statement following the arrest of President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman.
“We hold our team members to a high standard of conduct and expect leaders at every level of our organization to represent the Cavaliers with integrity, professionalism and accountability. We will continue to closely monitor the facts and circumstances of this matter and await resolution of the legal process," said the Cavaliers in a statement released on Wednesday morning.
Altman was arrested on Friday night after an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper saw a white 2022 Lexus allegedly committing a traffic violation on Route 2 near East 55th Street in Cleveland.
Upon initiating a traffic stop, Altman, who showed indicators of impairment, was placed under arrest for OVI and was offered a breath test, which police say he refused.
Altman was charged with committing a marked lanes violation and OVI.
Ohio State Highway Patrol officials released bodycam footage from the stop, which shows Altman following the movement of a pen with his eyes and performing the "walk-and-turn" test.
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.
During an arraignment hearing on Tuesday, Altman's attorneys entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. A virtual pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 10 a.m.
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.
