L.A. judge issues temporary restraining order keeping Ariza away from 12-year old son

Per ESPN, A Los Angeles judge has issued a temporary restraining order keeping the Portland Trail Blazers ‘ Trevor Ariza away from his 12-year-old son after the boy’s mother alleged Ariza had physically abused him.

Ariza strongly denied the abuse allegations, saying the boy’s mother, his former girlfriend Lana Allen, had engaged in a long campaign to hurt his relationship with his son and to take away his visitation rights, according to court papers obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Allen alleges in documents filed Aug. 27 that Ariza punched his son in the arm and shoulder and put him in a choke hold on July 25 during a monthlong visit at Ariza’s Los Angeles-area home.

The court filings allege Ariza engaged in similar abuse on previous visits and has violated a court order against using corporal punishment. Allen sent the police to Ariza’s home during the visit, but their investigation was inconclusive, the documents said.

The court papers include a declaration from the 12-year-old saying he is afraid of his father and does not want to see him, and a photo of a bruised shoulder. Ariza’s response alleges the boy’s mother has been manipulating him into making such statements and has tried to prevent him from testifying in a neutral setting.