Clippers staffer who was punched by Blake Griffin leaves team

Matias Testi, who was punched in the face by Clippers forward Blake Griffin in January, is no longer the team’s assistant equipment manager, the team confirmed Wednesday.

A team spokesman said the Clippers would have no further comments on why Testi doesn’t work there anymore.

Testi was seen at the team’s practice facility by media members July 11 when the Clippers introduced their rookies.

Testi, a longtime employee with the Clippers, got into an altercation with Griffin during dinner at a restaurant in Toronto when the team was there to play the Raptors in January.

Griffin repeatedly punched Testi in the face after the two longtime friends had engaged in their normal back-and-forth teasing, according to reports in The Times about the confrontation.

Griffin broke his right hand after throwing a blow that left Testi with a severely swollen face.

Griffin and Testi were sent home early from that January trip to heal their wounds and mend their friendship.

The Clippers suspended Griffin four games and docked him $859,442 in pay because of his role in the fight.

Doc Rivers, coach and president of the Clippers, said after the fight that Testi would re-join the team after his health improved.

Griffin and Testi were seen shaking hands before the Clippers played the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 18 at Staples Center.

[email protected]

Twitter: @BA_Turner