Police are investigating after an American basketballer playing for the Otago Nuggets was allegedly attacked in Dunedin early on Sunday.
Coach Alf Arlidge said US import Tyler Amaya was socialising with team members in Dunedin when one of them was subjected to racial taunts by a group of youths. He
said Amaya was then king-hit from behind and suffered serious concussion, as well as a black eye and a cut to the back of his head.
Arlidge said the attack was completely unprovoked.
"It makes you wonder what the heck's going on, unfortunately, on the streets of Dunedin when we tell everyone it's a safe place to come and live," Arlidge said.
"I'm really disappointed. These guys are guests in our country and city and they shouldn't have to go through this."
Amaya had laid a complaint with police this afternoon, who were now investigating, Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken told NZPA.
He said the alleged attack took place on George Street near the Octagon.
Mr Aitken was unable to say whether police were seeking youths, saying they only had a "fairly vague" description of the alleged attackers.
Police would look at whether businesses in the area had CCTV footage which may have captured the incident.
Arlidge said Amaya only has a 50 per cent chance of playing in Saturday's derby against the Southland Sharks in Dunedin.
"Obviously it's disrupted our practice this week. He probably won't practice again tonight. The doctor's going to have another look at him on Wednesday, see how it is with his concussion... obviously he's got stitches in the back of his head."
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA
