Scottie Pippen has accomplished many things in his storied career, including winning six NBA championships and helping the Chicago Bulls to a record 72-win season. He can now add "beaten up by little people."
Pippen was attacked by a group of little people while filming a scene for the movie Midgets vs. Mascots, but the Bulls legend claims he had no idea about the attack until the moment it unfolded. In the footage, Gary Coleman (who was hospitalized on Wednesday) appears to strike Pippen in the head with a telephone before the forward is quickly forced to the ground.
According to a strange press release, Pippen says "some of the Little People were laughing as the director explained that the scene was 'sort of like an episode of the TV show 'Punk'd.'" The statement also makes clear that Pippen wishes "I'd not been involved" with the movie. Scroll down for video and the press release.
WATCH:
"Given the recent controversy surrounding Gary Coleman, the fact that I've been repeatedly asked questions about my small part in the movie 'Midgets vs. Mascots,' and a related video posted online which shows me being assaulted by a group of Little People, I want to clear up any misunderstandings.
"In 2008, I agreed to play a cameo role in a movie titled 'A Tribute to Big Red' (now titled 'Midgets vs. Mascots'). My role was scripted, and the first two scenes went off without any problems. During the third scene, I was told that four Little People, along with actor Gary Coleman, were going to become angry with something I said and storm off as the scene ends. Instead, they basically attacked me, with Gary Coleman apparently climbing on a chair behind me to hit me over the head with a phone (twice).
"A short fight ensued before I heard the film's director yell 'cut.' As I recall, some of the Little People were laughing as the director explained that the scene was 'sort of like an episode of the TV show 'Punk'd.'' At that point, I left quickly without a clear understanding of what was going on.
"As for the Little Person who claims he was injured in the attack, I really don't think I caused the injury or can be held to blame. To the best of my knowledge, there is no action being taken against me, nor am I pursuing any action. For the record, I have never seen the movie and, in hindsight, wish I'd not been involved with it. I simply wanted to make clear my role and position as I understand the movie is coming out soon. I will not be answering any further questions regarding the film."