RALEIGH — N.C. State's Anthony Grundy is used to the recognition he gets from his performance on the hard court, but his off-court legal battles are making news right now. The star basketball player is facing a criminal assault charge.

Grundy was arrested Saturday morning after a female acquaintance, 20-year-old Makazie Mtingwa, accused him of physically assaulting her at her Raleigh apartment. She called 911 Friday night after the incident.

In a written statement to police, Mtingwa says Grundy grabbed her neck and pushed her.

"I'm just going to say it was a misunderstanding, and let's leave it at that," Grundy told reporters after Sunday afternoon's game against UNC. "It's real tough to try to put yourself through it and my teammates and coaches did a good job in keeping me motivated."

E. Lee Turner, Grundy's attorney, says his client has maintained his innocence all along.

"I believe he's being perfect honest with me," he says. "His statement is logical and makes sense as to how this occurred. I don't see where there was really a basis for the charge to be brought against him."

Grundy is scheduled to appear in court to face the misdemeanor assault charge on February 19. N.C. State officials have decided to let Grundy continue to play basketball until the courts make a decision.

Mtingwa did not reply to WRAL's request for an interview.