Koby Altman: ‘I feel awful about the distraction’

At Monday at Cleveland Cavaliers media day, Cavs president of basket all operations publicly addressed his recent arrest for OVI for the first time.

“I feel awful about the distraction that this incident has caused our organization and team,” Altman said to open media day. “I’ve had several conversations across the building with players, coaches and ownership on down and have expressed that same sentiment to them as well. Those conversations remain internal and personal and this one was the same.”

Altman said he had spoken with Cavs chairman Dan Gilbert, but did not reveal any details of their conversation. He also declined to say if he would receive any further punishment from the team or the league.

Altman was arrest in September after being pulled over on Route 2 near Cleveland. Bodycam footage subsequently revealed more details about the arrest and Altman’s interactions with State Highway patrol. In the footage, Altman was told he nearly caused an accident. He told the troopers that he was the ‘president of the Cavaliers’ and that he was tired after an overseas trip.

After the bodycam footage was released, the Cavs put out a statement saying “We hold our team members to a high standard of conduct and expect leaders at every level of our organization to represent the Cavaliers with integrity, professionalism and accountability.”

Altman, via his attorney, has plead not guilty driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or a combination of them and driving in marked lanes.