Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesScottie Pippen is in the clear.
E! News learns today that the retired NBA star will not be charged for alleged assault and battery by Carman Shafighi, who claims he was spit at, punched and kicked by Pippen outside famed sushi hot spot Nobu in Malibu after he asked the athlete for an autograph and a picture for his girlfriend's son.
The District Attorney's report states, "There is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Susp [Pippen] is guilty of committing a crime against Victim."
It continues, "While Susp admits spitting at & pushing away V, the pushing is justifiable & the spitting is unprosecutable if in fact V was the aggressor & initiated the spitting as Susp & his relatives claim. The independent witnesses are vague on this point & V's implied denial of initiating the spitting can be impeached by the evidence described below & in any event results in a 'he said-she said' on this point."
Additionally, the D.A. explains that Shafighi's drunken condition (his blood sample revealed a .18 blood-alcohol content the night of the incident) along with the lack of physical injuries that were expected from the described blows played a role in the issue of sufficient evidence.
The former Chicago Bull voluntarily reported to the Lost Hills Sheriff's Department for questioning following the June 23 incident. No arrest was made or charges filed at the time, but authorities said at the time that the investigation was ongoing.
During his time on the Chicago Bulls, Pippen won six NBA championships and earned two Olympic gold medals over the course of his career. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.