Chris Brown accused of punching man in Las Vegas

Singer Chris Brown faces another battery accusation just days after he performed at an after-party to the weekend’s much-hyped boxing match, which was also billed as the kickoff to his residency at the Drai’s nightclub in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas police said Brown, 25, is suspected of beating a man who was found at the Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center at 3:42 a.m. Monday.

The man said he was playing basketball at the Palms Casino Resort when he got into a verbal argument on the court with singer. He claimed Brown punched him and, as he was preparing to defend himself, another person with the singer also hit him.

The man took himself to the hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released.

Las Vegas police said they went to the hotel after they were called to the hospital but didn’t locate Brown.

Authorities say they have given Brown the option to sign off on a misdemeanor battery citation or have the case turned over to the Clark County District Attorney’s office. As of 2 p.m., police said Brown has not responded to the offer.

Officer Larry Hadfield said signing off on the citation is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgement of the accusation. Similar to accepting a traffic ticket, the accused would be given a court date in Clark County Justice Court scheduled for months from now.

Police said the investigation continues but declined to address the other person with Brown who also allegedly hit the man.

“We haven’t cited anybody. We have not had the opportunity,” Hatfield said.

The troubled R&B singer was freed from probation just six weeks ago. In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to a brutal attack on his then-girlfriend, the singer Rihanna, hours before the Grammy Awards.

On Saturday, Brown performed a sold-out show at Drai’s nightclub atop the Cromwell Hotel as after-party entertainment to the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Brown reportedly commanded $100 and $200 cover charges with table reservations with bottle-service ranging in price from a $2,000 minimum for a small four-seater, as far away from the stage as it can go, to at least $20,000 for a table in the middle of the action.

Brown’s next show in the series of Drai’s concerts is scheduled for July 4, according to an announcement.

The statement sent Sunday also said Brown is also expected to celebrate his birthday at the venue’s nighttime pool party on Tuesday.

Brown’s attorney and publicist could not immediately be reached for comment.

Sally Ho, AP