The father of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a youth football coach multiple times during a parking dispute in Las Vegas on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Quenton Marselles Brown, 57, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Thursday morning following the incident at All American Park on South Buffalo Drive. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of the stabbing just before 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday evening.
According to police reports, the altercation began when Brown allegedly dinged another vehicle with his SUV door while parking. The victim, identified as Cross Tupoula, a youth football coach in the Las Vegas area, got out of his car to check for damage and was immediately confronted by Brown.
Witnesses told police the verbal confrontation escalated when the victim slapped the side mirror of Brown’s SUV. The situation turned violent when Brown allegedly pulled out a knife. According to the arrest report, one witness told police that the suspect “swung his knife 25 times” at the victim.
Tupoula sustained severe injuries from the attack, including stab wounds to his back, upper right chest clavicle area, and left hand. Medical personnel reported that he suffered a defensive wound that penetrated his tendons, a slice wound requiring a partial gastrectomy to remove part of his digestive system, eviscerated bowels, and a broken right rib that may require surgery to repair.
The victim and his girlfriend managed to drive away from the scene and waited in a different location for first responders. Tupoula was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition. Police indicated the victim is recovering successfully from his injuries, though his family has launched a fundraiser to help with medical care and physical therapy costs.
Brown initially fled the scene but was located and arrested shortly afterward by Las Vegas police. He made his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon, where bail was set at $300,000. Brown is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday.
Brown’s legal representation claimed he was acting in self-defense during the altercation. The elder Brown, who goes by his middle name Marselles, is a retired professional boxer who made his debut in 1989 and compiled a 33-18-1 record during his career.
The incident has drawn significant attention due to Brown’s connection to his son, Jaylen Brown, who is a four-time NBA All-Star and was named Finals MVP in 2024 when the Celtics won their 18th championship. The younger Brown was drafted by Boston in 2016 and shares the same middle name as his father, though reports indicate the two are not believed to have a close relationship.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that two people were arguing over a parking spot when the stabbing occurred. The incident took place before a scheduled youth football practice at the park, according to witness statements.
Tupoula’s youth football team has established a fundraising campaign to assist with mounting medical expenses. The fundraiser describes the extensive nature of his injuries and the ongoing need for medical care and rehabilitation services.
The Boston Celtics organization has not issued a public statement regarding the arrest of their star player’s father. The team was contacted for comment but has not responded to media inquiries about the situation.
This incident marks a significant legal challenge for the Brown family as the elder Brown faces serious criminal charges. The attempted murder charge carries substantial penalties under Nevada law, and the case will likely proceed through the Clark County court system in the coming weeks.
