UCLA basketball: Dragovic’s attorney responds

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The attorney for UCLA forward Nikola Dragovic responded this evening to prosecutors’ characterization of his client as the aggressor in an altercation that led to Dragovic’s being charged with felony assault.

Jon Artz said Dragovic was trying to leave the Hollywood concert venue where the incident took place last month and was pursued by the alleged victim.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, Dragovic’s roommate, Aleksandar Stanisic, began arguing with a man and his girlfriend during the show. Afterward, prosecutors said, Dragovic charged the man and pushed him into a glass display case, which shattered.

The alleged victim suffered a lacerated Achilles’ tendon, authorities said.

Telling another side to the story, Artz said the man followed Dragovic out of the Henry Fonda Theater and allegedly claimed to have a knife.

‘He was the aggressor,’ Artz said. ‘He was drinking heavily. He slapped Dragovic’s roommate.’

Dragovic remains suspended from the team. A UCLA alumnus, Artz said he hoped that Coach Ben Howland would reconsider.

For more details, check www.latimes.com/sports/.

-- David Wharton