New York Knicks superstar and Olympic medalist Amar'e Stoudemire arrested after allegedly punching daughter

Former New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns star Amar’e Stoudemire was arrested Saturday night after an incident that occurred at his Miami residence with his daughter. The former Olympic medalist is accused of battery after he alleged punched one of his daughters in the jaw and causing her to bleed, according to the Miami Herald.

Stoudemire, 40, was charged with misdemeanor battery charge. He was booked in Miami-Dade Corrections early Sunday morning at 4:09 a.m. according to county records. His bond was set by a county judge for $1,500.

“I observed blood stains on the victim’s sweater and sweatpants,” the arresting officer indicated in his report, according to the Herald. “The mother of the victim showed me the photo she received from her daughter, which shows the victim crying and blood running down her face.”

Stoudemire has four children including two teenage daughters with his ex-wife, Alexis. The Herald did not indicate which daughter was allegedly battered.

Stoudemire’s ex-wife reportedly went to his Miami condominium after she received a “a plea for help,” but Stoudemire justified his actions by saying their daughter had acted in a way that was “disrespectful.”

The Miami police report also said Stoudemire felt his daughter was “giving attitude” to her grandmother, and that he reportedly “continued slapping her” after he landed the first punch.

According to the Herald, Stoudemire told police his daughter “received a whooping from him for being disrespectful and a liar.”

The incident reportedly took place only occurred hours after what should have been a celebratory moment when the former NBA and Olympics star walked across stage at of Miami with a hard earned master’s degree, according to journalist Andy Slater.

The Knicks published a celebratory tweet Saturday morning accompanied by a photo of Stoudemire in his graduation cap and gown. On Saturday morning,

“Congrats Stat! 👏 @univmiami grad,” the Knicks tweeted.

Stoudemire signed with the New York team in 2010 after eight seasons with the Phoenix Suns and played four-plus seasons in the Empire State. He is a popular six-time All-Star and revered sports legend.

But he has been seen losing his temper in the past. Stoudemire bloodied up his left hand after throwing a punch at a glass fire extinguisher case in 2012 after his team lost to the Miami Heat.

He later played for Miami and the Dallas Mavericks and even worked as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets.