Cleveland Cavaliers’ President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, found himself in a precarious situation on Friday night as he was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired. The Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers stopped Altman in Cleveland shortly before 9 p.m., citing a “marked lanes violation and OVI” as the charges against him.
Cleveland Cavaliers President Koby Altman Charged with Impaired Driving
According to reports, the OSHP stated that during the traffic stop, indicators of impairment were observed during their interaction with Altman. Consequently, he was placed under arrest for OVI. Subsequently, Altman was offered a breath test, which he refused. Despite the circumstances, it was noted that Altman remained respectful and cooperative with the troopers throughout the process.
In response to the incident, the Cleveland Cavaliers released a statement on Saturday acknowledging the situation. They stated, “We are aware of an incident involving Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman. We are currently gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.” It remains to be seen how the organization will address the matter internally.
Koby Altman, president of basketball operations for the @cavs of the @NBA, was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, authorities said Saturday.https://t.co/2bnDFR0k4n
— Chris Pugh (@ChrisPughEdits) September 17, 2023
Altman, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Saturday, has been part of the Cavaliers’ front office since 2012. He initially joined as part of the pro personnel department, gradually climbing the ranks to become the assistant general manager. In 2017, Altman was promoted to the role of general manager, and in January 2022, he further ascended to the position of president of basketball operations after signing a contract extension through the 2027-28 season.
The Cavaliers experienced relative success last season, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference and securing a playoff berth. Notably, this marked the first time the team made the playoffs without the presence of LeBron James on the roster since the 1997-98 season. However, Altman’s recent legal trouble adds an unexpected twist to the organization’s ongoing efforts to maintain a competitive edge.
As the news of Altman’s arrest spreads, questions arise regarding potential consequences both for him personally and for the Cavaliers as a whole. The team will likely conduct its own internal investigation and make decisions accordingly. Meanwhile, fans and observers eagerly await further updates on the situation, which could have lasting ramifications for Altman’s career and the overall reputation of the Cavaliers organization.