Nikola Dragovic case to be considered by L.A. city attorney
UCLA BASKETBALL
The UCLA forward was arrested Nov. 7 after allegedly pushing his live-in girlfriend to the ground during an argument. City attorney's office will hold a hearing and advise all parties of their rights.
The misdemeanor battery case against UCLA basketball player Nikola Dragovic has been set for a city attorney hearing next month.
Dragovic was arrested Nov. 7 after allegedly pushing his live-in girlfriend to the ground during an argument.
At the hearing, both parties will be advised of the law and of their responsibilities, city attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan said. The alleged victim will be told of resources available to her, such as a restraining order.
"That could be it," Mateljan said. "It could be resolved in lieu of filing [a criminal charge]."
The city attorney reserves the right to file for up to a year afterward, he said.
Dragovic spent one game on the bench as part of what Coach Ben Howland characterized as internal discipline. The junior forward returned to action the following night and played a role in UCLA's victory over Miami of Ohio.
"Even though I'm behind him 100%, it is still his responsibility," Howland said at the time. "You're in a big fishbowl when you're a UCLA basketball player. A lot of responsibility comes with that."
Dragovic traveled to New York with the team today for the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic tournament. A specific date for the hearing will be set later.
Wharton is a Times staff writer.
david.wharton@latimes.com
