A former NBA player and Duke University basketball champion faces assault charges after allegedly attacking his girlfriend in front of their young child during a domestic dispute in Oklahoma.

Singler, 37, was arrested Tuesday and booked into Haskell County Jail on one misdemeanor count of assault and battery in the presence of a child, according to Fox News. The former Oklahoma City Thunder player allegedly grabbed his girlfriend by the head and shoved her to the ground during the altercation in Whitefield.

The arrest followed a 911 call from someone who witnessed Singler chasing a woman outside a home. Deputy Mitch Dobbs noted in an arrest affidavit that he observed finger outlines on the woman's face and marks on her arms, while the victim confirmed that Singler is the father of her young child, who was present during the incident.

Details of the Alleged Assault

The domestic violence incident unfolded in Whitefield, Oklahoma, where witnesses observed Singler pursuing a woman outside a residence before the physical altercation occurred. According to the arrest affidavit, the confrontation escalated when Singler allegedly grabbed his girlfriend by the head and forcibly pushed her to the ground.

Deputy Dobbs documented visible evidence of the alleged assault, including finger impressions on the victim's face and additional marks on her arms. The physical evidence corroborated the victim's account of the incident and supported the assault charges filed against the former professional athlete.

The presence of the couple's young child during the violent encounter led to the additional charge of assault and battery in the presence of a child. This aggravating factor highlights the serious nature of the allegations and the potential psychological impact on the minor witness.

Law Enforcement Response and Investigation

Authorities responded to the scene after receiving a 911 call from someone who witnessed Singler chasing the woman outside the home. The quick response allowed law enforcement to gather immediate evidence and interview witnesses while the situation was still unfolding.

Deputy Dobbs noted in his official report that Singler was uncooperative with law enforcement during the arrest process. The former NBA player also appeared to be under the influence of narcotics at the time of his detention, according to the arresting officer's observations.

The investigation moved swiftly, with Singler being processed and booked into the Haskell County Jail on the assault charges. He was subsequently released after posting a $6,000 bond, allowing him temporary freedom while the case proceeds through the legal system.

Basketball Career and Previous Concerns

Singler achieved significant success during his college basketball career at Duke University, where he won a national championship in 2010 and earned Most Valuable Player honors for the tournament. His stellar performance at Duke led to his selection by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft.

The former forward spent his initial professional seasons with Detroit before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2014-15 campaign. He remained with the Thunder for three full seasons, establishing himself as a role player in the NBA rotation.

Singler's professional basketball career concluded after the 2017-18 season, and his former agent told The Associated Press that he no longer represents the player. The end of his playing career coincided with a period of apparent personal struggles that would later become public knowledge.

Lessons to Learn

1. Recognize warning signs early. Domestic violence can escalate quickly, often following patterns of control, aggression, and substance abuse. Taking early signs seriously can prevent harm and provide an opportunity for intervention before a situation turns violent.

2. Children are secondary victims. Exposure to violence leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars on children, even if they are not physically harmed. Prioritizing their safety and mental health is essential when responding to or witnessing domestic disputes.

3. Fame does not grant immunity. Public figures, regardless of past achievements or recognition, remain accountable for their actions. Legal systems must treat celebrity cases with the same diligence and fairness as any other to maintain public trust.

Why This Story Matters

The case involving former NBA player Kyle Singler underscores how domestic violence cuts across all social and professional boundaries. It raises questions about how sports organizations, communities, and legal systems address behavioral issues that surface after athletic careers end. The story also highlights the critical role of bystander intervention, as the witness who called 911 may have prevented further harm.

Conclusion

Kyle Singler, 37, a former Duke University basketball champion and NBA player for the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder, faces misdemeanor assault and battery charges for allegedly attacking his girlfriend in the presence of their child in Oklahoma. Witnesses reported the incident, and authorities found visible injuries on the victim. Singler, who has previously posted troubling messages online about his mental state, was arrested, booked, and released on bond pending legal proceedings.