Former Rocket Jordan Hill facing charges, accused of choking family member

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Former Rockets forward Jordan Hill is accused of choking his girlfriend of two years during an argument at his Houston area residence.

According to court documents, his girlfriend told police that Hill, who now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, assaulted her and choked her, causing bruising to her body and restricted her breathing on February 29, when he still played for the Rockets. He was traded to LA on March 15.

Hill's girlfriend says she flew into Houston from Florida to see him and they got into an argument while discussing their future. During the argument, she says she threw his cell phones to the floor. She told police that Hill then punched her in the legs, grabbed her, pulled her off the couch and dragged her to where the phones were, and threw her against the wall.

Court documents state Hill demanded that she pick up his phones, and when she turned away from him, Hill grabbed her from behind and put her in a chokehold in which she couldn't breathe.

His girlfriend told police that she told Hill she wanted to go home and he booked her a flight back to Florida. Police say her friend picked her up from the airport and stated she was not herself and that she saw bruises on her legs and upper body.

According to police, they obtained photos of the injuries from Hill's girlfriend that were consistent with her and her friend's statements.

Hill, 24, is charged with assault of a family member. No bond has been set yet in this case.

Hill is in Los Angeles now with the Lakers where they have an off day in the playoffs. He is charged with the third degree felony, but has not been arrested.

He will have to make an appearance in Houston to face the charge. The Harris Co. District Attorney's office says Hill faces up to 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if he's convicted.

The Lakers say they're not commenting on the incident and referred questions to Hill's representative.

Hill issued a statement Monday afternoon which read:

"I'm saddened to learn of the accusations that were filed against me today. A this time I cannot comment further other than to say that my attorneys are working to gather all of the facts and evidence and I plan to cooperate completely with the authorities.
"I'd like to apologize to the Lakers organization and to all their fans for the untimeliness of these accusations. I promise to keep my focus and attention on the playoffs during this time and to helping my team win another championship."

Hill added that he doesn't expect to miss any practices or games for the Lakers.

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