体坛英语新闻：Pacers forward Copeland stabbed in New York

NEW YORK, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland, his girlfriend and another woman were stabbed early Wednesday following an argument on the street near a Manhattan nightclub that also led to the arrest of two Atlanta Hawks players, police said.

Copeland, 31, a former member of the New York Knicks, was stabbed in the left elbow and abdomen and his girlfriend, Katrine Saltara, was slashed in the arm and across the breast.

The second woman, who was believed to be with the attacker, was slashed in the abdomen. The victims were hospitalized and in stable condition, police said. A knife was recovered at the scene.

The violence broke out just before 4 a.m. outside 1Oak Club, a trendy Chelsea spot where celebrities like Justin Bieber and Snoop Dogg mingle with partygoers, police said.

The couple were arguing on the street as the attacker eavesdropped and started to interfere, according to police. The dispute escalated until the 22-year-old suspect pulled out a knife and started slashing, police said.

The suspect, Shezoy Bleary, was in custody, authorities said. Police said charges were pending, and it wasn't clear whether Bleary had an attorney who could comment on the charges.

Atlanta Hawks players Pero Antic, 33 and Thabo Sefolosha, 30, who were not with Copeland but were also at the club, were arrested after police said they blocked officers from trying to start their investigation.

The teammates were in town to play the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. The team arrived late Tuesday, after beating the Phoenix Suns in Atlanta.