Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith is facing a lawsuit after a pedestrian, Alekxei Pino, had his leg amputated following a crash in West Kendall. Pino, 21, alleges that Highsmith was speeding when he hit him while he was aiding another motorist on Feb. 7. Pino is seeking over $100,000 in damages, citing permanent bodily injury and mental anguish.
Specifics of Crash with Haywood Highsmith
Miami Heat's Haywood Highsmith was involved in a late-night accident, crashing into a man who was trying to assist a disabled vehicle. The man sustained injuries but is stable. Highsmith is shaken and grateful for support from the team and fans. #NBA #Basketball #Allstar
— kybrdkwby (@BenjaminWr63549) February 20, 2024
The crash occurred as Highsmith was driving home from a game against the Orlando Magic. The lawsuit claims he was driving in excess of the legal limit when he struck Pino near Southwest 138th Ave. Pino was assisting a man pushing a Toyota Forerunner that had broken down. Highsmith was ticketed for careless driving, but authorities stated he was not under the influence and did not sustain injuries.
Haywood Highsmith: Agent Defends
Highsmith’s agent, Jerry Dianis, stated that Highsmith was not speeding and that the disabled car did not have its lights on. Dianis also mentioned that Highsmith rushed to help Pino and stayed on the scene offering comfort until an ambulance arrived. The Miami Heat have not yet commented on the incident.
Haywood Highsmith Highlights of Career
Born in Baltimore, Haywood Highsmith played college basketball at Wheeling Jesuit University, where he was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year in 2018. After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, Highsmith joined the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League. He made his NBA debut with the Philadelphia 76ers towards the end of the 2018-19 season. Highsmith has also played for the Crailsheim Merlins in Germany.
Dianis expressed that this was an unfortunate accident and that Highsmith and his family are praying for Pino. He added that Haywood Highsmith is shaken by the incident and appreciates the support from the team and fans. The case highlights the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of negligence while driving.
About Author
Jocelyn Paige Kelly is not your typical sports writer. She’s a Clarion West grad, short story writer, and poet. If you’re lucky you might catch her on Twitter tweeting as @jossome or you can read one of her many published short stories here. She has an interesting history of writing blogs for various companies from a psychic network to a supplements company. Nothing, except her kidneys, phase her.