Blake Griffin apologises for 'creating a distraction'

Blake Griffin has issued an apology for the altercation that resulted in him sustaining a fracture to his right hand.

Griffin is set to be sidelined for four to six weeks, with a statement from the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday confirming his injuries were suffered when he threw a punch.

According to numerous reports, the Clippers' star forward hit team equipment manager Matias Testi in an altercation that began inside a Toronto restaurant on Saturday.

Addressing the issue on Twitter, Griffin wrote: "A situation among friends escalated and I regret the way I handled myself towards someone I care about.

"I want to apologize to the Clippers organization, my teammates and the fans for creating a distraction.

"I am working with the team on a resolution and getting back in the game as soon as possible.”

Griffin had been nearing a return from a quadriceps injury and hoped to be back in the line-up as soon as Wednesday.