By Gabriel Rom
New York Knick forward Cleanthony Early was shot in the leg and robbed early Wednesday morning after leaving a strip club in Maspeth, according to authorities.
Police said the assault occurred around 64-70 Maurice Ave. at around 4:30 a.m.
Soon after Early left the CityScapes strip club in an Uber car, four to six men demanded that he hand over his jewelry, according to police and a report in the New York Post.
Early did not know his attackers, police said.
In the ensuing robbery Early sustained a single gunshot wound to his right leg, police said.
EMS then rushed him to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
Officers from the 108th Precinct and EMS units responded to the incident
Police said that no arrests have been made and an investigation was ongoing. The Post reported the assailants stole gold jewelry and a gold tooth cap from Early.
“We are aware of what occurred with Cleanthony Early this morning and are relieved that he is not in a life-threatening situation,” a statement released by the New York Knicks’ press office said.
Early joined the team in August 2014 after leading the Wichita State’s Shockers through a historic undefeated season.
Players from around the National Basketball Association sent condolences to Early and his family.
“My thoughts and prayers go up for Cleanthony Early..#Nbabrotherhood,” tweeted Dwyane Wade, the Miami Heat player.
Reach reporter Gabriel Rom by e-mail at grom@
