USA Basketball gold medalist Derrick White hit in head during fight at Colorado-Colorado State rivalry game

Sep 17, 2024 at 9:24 PM

Celtics Star Derrick White Embroiled in Heated Altercation at Rivalry Game

Boston Celtics guard and Team USA Basketball Olympic gold medalist Derrick White found himself in the middle of a heated altercation at the Colorado-Colorado State football rivalry game this past Saturday. TMZ Sports captured the incident on video, which showed White confronting a man in the stands behind one of the goal posts at Colorado State.

Celtics Star Caught in Crossfire of Heated Rivalry

Altercation Erupts in Stands

The video footage shows White, a Colorado Buffaloes alumnus and Parker, Colorado, native, approaching a man wearing a Colorado State Rams hat in the front row. As White got close, the man swung at him with a closed fist, hitting him in the head and knocking him backwards. Several other men around White then pushed the man who swung at him, and the Celtics guard was quick to try to go back at his attacker. A man who appeared to be friends with White held back the gold medalist as he kept trying to get involved.

Aftermath and Aftermath

Another scene from the altercation showed White helping another man off the ground, and during their conversation, the man could be heard saying, "I was just trying to help you." It's unclear if security or law enforcement stepped in after the incident. White, who is coming off an NBA title season with the Celtics as well as helping Team USA win gold in Paris, was spotted at a previous Buffaloes game to support his alma mater.

White's Basketball Career and Accomplishments

White played in Boulder from 2016-2017 after playing at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs from 2012-2015. He ended up being a first-round pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2017 NBA Draft and spent five seasons with the team before being traded midseason to the Celtics during the 2021-2022 campaign. White has played a vital role for the Celtics off the bench, showcasing his sharpshooting abilities and superb defensive capabilities.

Playoff Performance and Impact

During the playoffs this year on the way to the NBA title, White averaged 16.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc. His contributions were crucial in the Celtics' championship run, and he has established himself as a valuable asset for the team. The incident at the rivalry game, however, has brought unwanted attention to the Celtics star, who will look to move past the altercation and focus on the upcoming NBA season.