Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman refused a breathalyzer test and appeared to struggle with sobriety tests before he was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence on Friday.
In a video obtained by TMZ Sports and local Cleveland station WKYC, Altman was pulled over at around 9 p.m. and told an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer that he worked for the Cavaliers, and then tried to explain that he was exhausted from an overseas trip and was just trying to get home.
The officer then explained to Atlman that the reason he stopped the Cavaliers executive was that he nearly caused an accident by swerving and nearly striking another driver.
He then took a walk-and-turn test and a one-leg balance test, and during the latter, Altman told the officer that his directives were throwing off his performance.
Altman, who again noted his work in sports, also claimed that the one-leg test was a tough one, though the officer said the balance should be easier because of his work in athletics.
As he appeared to struggle and stumble during the balancing test, he said: “You’re messing me up. … See you messed me up, let me do it.”
“How did I mess you up?” the officer asked after the Cavs exec stumbled before catching his balance.
“Because I’m focusing,” Altman replied.
Altman was then given the option to take a breathalyzer test, which he refused, and then he was arrested and charged with marked lanes violation and operating a vehicle while impaired.
According to TMZ and Cleveland 19, his attorney entered a not guilty plea in Cleveland Municipal Court for Altman on Tuesday.
Over the weekend, the Cavaliers addressed the situation in a statement but did not discuss his future with the club or what effect the arrest might have.
“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.”
Altman, who played collegiately at Middlebury, joined the Cavaliers in 2012 after five years of working as an assistant coach at Amherst, Southern Illinois and Columbia.
The Brooklyn native — a New Utrecht graduate — was Cleveland’s director of pro personnel for its 2016 NBA title and then became the team’s general manager in July 2017.
He was promoted to president of basketball operations in 2022.
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