THE SIDELINES : Tulane Star Accused of Battery

Michael Christian, the leading scorer for Tulane’s basketball team with an average of 19.3 points a game, faced two counts of simple battery in court today.

Christian was booked at 1:31 a.m. Wednesday after an altercation at a bar, police records show. He was released about an hour later.

Christian was involved in an altercation with two people at the Boot, according to the police report. The Boot is located a short walking distance from Fogelman Arena, where Tulane lost to Florida State, 69-67, Tuesday night.

According to the police report, Christian went behind the bar to punch one of the accusers.

“I’m waiting for more information on the matter,” said Green Wave Coach Perry Clark, who left town on a recruiting trip Wednesday morning. “If it was something really serious, obviously I wouldn’t be out of town.”

Tulane Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk’s only comment was, “We’re investigating the matter.”