Former Hog Bobby Portis hospitalized teammate in fight

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) guards Chicago Bulls' Bobby Portis (5) during an NBA preseason basketball game in Cleveland, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Phil Long)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) guards Chicago Bulls' Bobby Portis (5) during an NBA preseason basketball game in Cleveland, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic was hospitalized Tuesday after former Razorback Bobby Portis struck him in the face during a practice altercation.

Yahoo! Sports' Shams Charania was the first to report the story and wrote a shoving match between Portis and Mitotic ended with "an alleged cheap shot from Portis to Mirotic’s face." ESPN reported the pair "were getting verbal, physical and escalated into punches. Portis connected, Mitotic stayed down several minutes."

The Bulls have since released a statement about the incident indicating Mitotic is out indefinitely after suffering a concussion and maxillary fractures to his face that will likely require surgery. The Athletic reported a suspension for Portis is likely and that the league office was involved.

Mirotic and Portis were both slated to play significant frontcourt minutes for the Bulls, who are rebuilding and poised to be one of the worst teams in the NBA.

Portis is entering his third season in the league and averaged 10.2 points on 50 percent shooting with 5.8 rebounds and 3 turnovers in five preseason games. Last year, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.6 boards in 15.6 minutes per game, playing 64 games and making 13 starts.

Portis' salary for this season is $1.516 million. The Bulls have a $2.494 million team option for his fourth season.

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