Former Duke Star Kyle Singler Faces Assault Charges in Oklahoma
Kyle Singler, the guy who helped Duke cut down the nets in 2010 and earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the Final Four, was arrested last Thursday in Whitefield, Oklahoma. The charges? Misdemeanor assault and battery in the presence of a child. Not exactly the legacy a national champion dreams about.
What Happened In Oklahoma
According to court documents and local reports, things went sideways at an Airbnb in eastern Oklahoma. Someone called 911, reporting Singler chasing a woman outside the residence. When Deputy Mitch Dobbs arrived on scene, Singler’s girlfriend told him a troubling story: Singler had grabbed her by the head and shoved her to the ground.
The deputy noted visible finger marks on her face and bruising on her arm. The woman confirmed Singler is the father of her young child, who witnessed the entire incident. That last detail is what elevated this from a standard domestic dispute to a charge involving a child. This is something that carries additional weight in Oklahoma law.
Dobbs reported that Singler appeared to be under the influence of narcotics and refused to cooperate with authorities or provide a statement. He was booked into Haskell County jail and released the same day on $6,000 bond.
The Concerning Backstory
This arrest didn’t come out of nowhere. Nearly a year ago, Singler posted a series of disturbing, shirtless videos to Instagram that sent shockwaves through the basketball community. In those rambling clips, he said he feared for his life daily and claimed he’d been “mistreated and abused” for over a decade.
“I have been mistreated and abused, neglected, made into a mental example and I fear for my life. Every day,” Singler said in one video. “And people in my community make me look out as if I’m gonna be someone that’s gonna be a problem and make things difficult for people when I’m only trying to be helpful.”
The posts prompted an outpouring of support from former teammates. Kevin Love, Isaiah Thomas, and others reached out publicly, expressing concern for their former colleague. But clearly, whatever Singler was battling then hasn’t been resolved.
From Championship Glory To Legal Trouble
It is hard to reconcile the player we watched dominate college basketball with the man facing these charges. Singler was a beast at Duke, averaging 16.2 points and 6.9 rebounds across four seasons. His junior year was magical—17.7 points per game, leading the Blue Devils to that 2010 title alongside Jon Scheyer (now Duke’s head coach).
The Detroit Pistons grabbed him with the 33rd pick in 2011. He spent three years in Detroit, made the All-Rookie second team in 2013, then landed with the Oklahoma City Thunder for parts of four seasons. He last played in the NBA in 2018, wrapping up a seven-year career with averages of 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds across 356 games.
But that’s ancient history now. What matters is what comes next. For Singler, for his family, and for everyone involved in this mess.
What’s Next For Singler?
Court records don’t show whether Singler has retained an attorney yet. His former agent, Jason Ranne, confirmed via email that he no longer represents him. As of now, Singler awaits his day in Haskell County court.
This story is tragic on multiple levels. A talented athlete who brought joy to millions with his play is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Mental health struggles, substance abuse allegations, and now domestic violence charges—it’s a painful fall from grace.
The hope is that Singler gets the help he clearly needs. But first, he’ll have to face the legal consequences of his actions. And that’s something nobody can fix with a jump shot or a championship ring.
