Man Arrested After Dispute With Celtics' Rondo

A man accused of taking a swing at Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo inside a Lowell club over the weekend has been released on personal recognizance.

Eric Valarezo of Haverhill said he's innocent but had no further comment after leaving Lowell District Count Monday following arraignment on a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. The case was continued after a prosecutor asked for more time to investigate.

Authorities say the 31-year-old Valarezo was arrested just before 2 a.m. Saturday at Brian's Ivy Hall. No one was hurt.

Club manager Kevin Hayhurst says Rondo and several others, including body guards and fellow NBA players attending a promotional event, were part of a crowd leaving just before closing time and didn't seem to be acting excessively.

Valarezo says Rondo pushed him and he reacted in self-defense.