SANTA MONICA—According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, former tennis pro and tennis broadcaster, Justin Gimelstob, 41, of Los Angeles was charged with assaulting a man with whom is he acquainted with on December 12.

Gimelstob faces one felony count of battery with serious bodily injury with an allegation of personally inflicting great bodily injury. He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled back in court on January 31, 2019.

On October 31, Gimelstob allegedly attacked the victim as he went trick-or-treating with his wife and son in West Los Angeles, prosecutors noted. He faces a possible maximum sentence of four years in state prison if convicted as charged.

The tennis star has been a resident of Santa Monica since 2009. He started playing tennis at the age of 8 and attended school at UCLA, where he later went pro in 1996. Gimelstob won mix doubles titles during the 1998 Australian Open and French Open. He has competed against tennis stars Andre Agassi, Petr Korda and Patrick Rafter to name a few. He was suspended from commentating duties from the Tennis Channel after comments he made about former President Barack Obama in 2010.

On December 12, 2018, Gimelstob posted the following statement on his Facebook page:

“On the advice of my counsel, I will not be commenting in detail regarding the evening of October 31, 2018 except that I look forward to presenting the true and complete facts concerning this matter, not only about what really happened that night, but also about the long history of Mr. Kaplan’s behavior and toxic interference in my life.

This morning I was charged with one count of felony battery. I pled not guilty, and I will now mount a vigorous defense.

While my respect for the legal process prevents me from defending myself fully at this point, I will respond to the unrelated accusations that have been disseminated in the media in an attempt to portray me in a negative light. The following are facts, supported by declarations by third parties and findings of the court.

What are the true facts about my ex-wife, Ms. Cary Sinnott’s, allegations of domestic violence against me in our dissolution action? I vehemently deny ever committing any act of domestic violence against Ms. Sinnott. In fact, Ms. Sinnott, with the assistance of her father, used the threat of domestic violence in an attempt to obtain my agreement on certain custody and financial matters during our dissolution proceeding.”

He added, “The recent passing of my father, the constant litigation over our son, Brandon, and the recent events on the evening of October 31, 2018 have created a very challenging time in my life. I very much appreciate all the love and support I have received from my family, friends, and colleagues. It was never my intention to engage or respond to the recent media coverage about me. However, I felt compelled to do so based on the nature of the false allegations and sensationalized stories that continue to be disseminated by those with their own agendas and motives.

I am far from perfect. I have flaws and have made mistakes in my life; however, I am not the person that has been depicted in the past month. I look forward to working through these challenges. Thank you, Justin.”

The Los Angeles Police Department, West Los Angeles Station is still investigating the case.