A day after his arrest on felony weapons charges, New York Knicks guard Raymond Felton pledged to not be “a distraction” to a team struggling to make the playoffs.
Felton spoke for less than a minute and did not take questions. But he thanked family, friends and teammates for their support and insisted his thoughts were on the Knicks game Thursday night in Miami.
”This is not a distraction to this team,” he said. ”I’m focusing on finishing out this season, finishing out these games with my teammates and going down to Miami, focusing on this next game at task versus the defending champs.”
Felton’s marriage of just 19 months has imploded. He was arrested early Tuesday after authorities said a lawyer for his wife, Ariane Raymondo-Felton, turned into a police precinct a loaded semi-automatic handgun allegedly belonging to the point guard, claiming she no longer wanted it in their home.
She filed for divorce last week, according to court records, and Felton acknowledged recently dealing with personal problems.
He said he wouldn’t comment on the case, referring any questions to his lawyer.
”But other than that, I’m here to concentrate on this team, finish this season out with the New York Knicks and see what happens, man,” Felton said. ”Trying to make it to the playoffs. We’re 5 1/2 games out, 25 games left, so I’m really focusing on that with these guys, with the team and trying to make that happen.”
The Knicks are barely hanging on in the playoff race and Felton’s struggles have been among their biggest problems. Slowed by nagging leg injuries early, he’s averaging a career-worst 10.4 points on 40.3 percent shooting for a team with a 21-36 record.
Felton was released on $25,000 bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 2.
