Tennis’ Justin Gimelstob
Denies Alleged Halloween Assault
… I’m Not Violent!
2/22/2019 2:29 PM PST
EXCLUSIVE
Justin Gimelstob — an ex-tennis star and broadcaster — says he did NOT beat the hell out of a man during a trick-or-treating run last Halloween … telling TMZ Sports he’s not a violent person.
As we previously reported … Gimelstob — a former doubles champ who’s coached tennis star John Isner — was arrested after he allegedly roughed up a man named Randall Kaplan on Oct. 31, 2018.
According to Kaplan … Gimelstob punched him “more than 50 times” in the face and head during the alleged assault and threatened to “f**king kill” him.
Gimelstob was charged with felony battery … but when we got him out after his latest court date in L.A. on Thursday — he told us he’s an innocent man.
“I’m not the person that’s been depicted here,” Gimelstob says … adding that he’s NOT a violent person.
Gimelstob is facing up to 4 years in prison AND a fine of up to $10,000. He previously pleaded not guilty to the charge back in December.
Justin’s due back in court next week.
Gimelstob was a star in doubles matches back in the late 90s … winning with partner Venus Williams in both the 1998 Australian Open and 1998 French Open mixed doubles tournaments.
Gimelstob — who’s become a star broadcaster in retirement — has taken a leave of absence from his role as an analyst on the Tennis Channel while his case plays out in the court system.