NEW YORK AP:

An NBA player, his girlfriend and another woman were stabbed early Wednesday following an argument on the street near a Manhattan nightclub that also led to the arrest of two other players, authorities said.

Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland, 31, was stabbed in the left elbow and abdomen.

Pacers coach Frank Vogel said Copeland had surgery on his elbow and abdomen and would be hospitalised overnight. He added it wasn't known yet if Copeland would miss the remainder of the season.

The violence erupted just before 4 a.m. outside 1Oak Club, a trendy Chelsea spot where celebs such as Justin Bieber and Snoop Dogg mingle with partygoers, police said.

The couple was arguing on the street as the attacker eavesdropped and started to interfere, according to police. The dispute escalated until the 22-year-old suspect pulled out a knife and started slashing, police said. Copeland's driver grabbed the suspect and held him until officers arrived.

The suspect, Shelly Bleary, was in custody, authorities said. Police said charges were pending, and it wasn't clear whether Bleary had an attorney who could comment on them.