Authorities: Wolves' Cunningham Sent Threatening Text Messages To Girlfriend

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota Timberwolves player is behind bars after his second arrest in a week.

Last Thursday, Dante Cunningham was arrested after his girlfriend told police he grabbed her by the neck, slammed her against the wall and choked her for 15 to 20 seconds.

After posting bond, it's alleged that Cunningham sent her threatening text messages, violating a restraining order placed on Cunningham by the judge. Cunningham turned himself in after learning of the allegations of terroristic threats.

Criminal defense attorney Mark Herman has handled cases like this in the past.

"The initial charge of domestic assault by strangulation is a very serious charge. It's a felony that carries a maximum of three years in prison," Herman said.

Herman says the new allegation against Cunningham is something judges take seriously.

"They issue the no contact order so that there is no chance, or hopefully no chance, of the alleged victim hurt by alleged accused person," he said.

His attorney Emanuel Serstock told WCCO he has strong counter evidence that proves his client did not make threats.

"Until you know the whole situation, you can't do anything. So, for us, we're just concentrating on playing tomorrow and play these last six games we're trying to win," Corey Brewer said.

His teammates and coaches say they are waiting for all the facts before commenting.

"We have to wait and see what happens with that and move on when we find out," Coach Rick Adelman said.

When questioned about why Cunningham started Saturday after posting bond Friday, Coach said he was active, he wanted to play and he has to listen to the league -- no charges means no change to his status.

Cunningham's parents and brother were in court Monday as well as a representative from the Wolves.

His next court appearance is set for May 7.