A key member of the ATP Board is under police investigation after he allegedly assaulted a former friend in Los Angeles three weeks ago.
Justin Gimelstob handed himself into authorities in connection with an incident that took place on the same day as Halloween, according to details obtained by The Los Angeles Times. He has been accused of attacking venture capitalize Randall Kaplan as he walked down the street in West LA along with his wife and child.
Kaplan has claimed that Gimelstob hit him 50 times at around 6:30 pm local time on October 31st. Leaving him with ‘large contusions and bruises’ on his face. The incident was witnessed by two of Kaplan’s family members, his wife and two-year-old daughter, as well as a member of the public. At the time Gimelstob was dressed as a pilot from the film Top Gun. He has been booked by the LAPD on a felony battery charge.
The motivation for the alleged assault is linked to Gimelstob’s ex-wife, according to Kaplan. It has been claimed that the former world No.63 has previously threatened him. Kaplan claims he had contacted Gimelstob’s divorce lawyer to asked him to stop threatening him and was left terrified following the night of the assault.
“I am afraid for my life,” Kaplan wrote in the police report.
Gimelstob is part of the six-member board for the ATP. Any criminal conviction made against him could end his membership. He has served on the board since June 2008, representing players from the Americas region. The 41-year-old has been mentioned as a potential successor to Chris Kermode, who is the CEO of the ATP, in the future. As a player, he reached a doubles ranking high of 18th in 2000 and won nine Challenger titles in singles.
Since retiring from tennis, the American has kept himself involved in the sport. Working as a commentator The Tennis Channel and worked with world No.10 John Isner on the tour as a consultant. As well as being a board member.
Gimelstob has made no comment regarding the allegations. He has been released on bail after paying $50,000.
