Phoenix Suns' Morris twins charged with assault

Phoenix Suns forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris were charged with assault Tuesday in connection with an alleged altercation at a high school basketball game in January.

The alleged incident, which police said involved the twins brothers and three others attacking another man, took place outside the Phoenix-area recreation centre where the game was taking place.

The victim, identified as Erik Hood, was allegedly beaten and kicked by the suspects. A woman who attended the tournament with Hood witnessed the incident.

Hood was treated and released from hospital after suffering a broken nose and cuts and bruises.

Police said the altercation was over an inappropriate text message someone sent to the Morris brothers` mother.

Suns president of basketball operations Lon Babby described it as a "serious matter".

"We are disappointed to learn that Marcus and Markieff Morris have been charged," Babby said in a prepared statement. "This is a serious matter, and we will treat it as such."

The Morris brothers are due to appear in court on May 7.