Zach Claman DeMelo says that Sprong grabbed his neck and "sucker punched" him in the face, leading to a head injury and "brutal" dental work.
Zach Claman DeMelo says that Sprong grabbed his neck and "sucker punched" him in the face, leading to a head injury and "brutal" dental work.
Former Washington Capitals forward Daniel Sprong has been accused of assaulting former INDYCAR driver Zach Claman DeMelo at a nightclub during the Detroit Grand Prix weekend.
DeMelo posted the allegation on his Instagram story, saying that he and Sprong got into a "scuffle" where DeMelo wrote that Sprong "grabbed my neck and pinned me on a wall." After the two were separated, DeMelo said that Sprong came back and committed assault.
"After when I had believed the situation was over, Daniel came back and sucker punched me in the face while I was defenseless... the dental work needed was brutal and I'm still not finished," DeMelo wrote on his Instagram story. "I also sustained a concussion that I've been dealing with over the past few weeks."
DeMelo shared photos of his neck and teeth following the alleged incident.
Sprong signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings this offseason following two years with the Seattle Kraken. He played for the Capitals from 2020 to 2022 before being traded to the Kraken for Marcus Johansson.
DeMelo wrote that he couldn't comment further for "legal reasons" but did call out Sprong for his actions and character.
"I just wanted to bring attention to this situation as no one has the right to act this way, especially an athlete of Daniel's caliber," DeMelo added. "We must hold [ourselves] to the highest of standards and for him to do this is beyond disappointing."
Sprong, 26, had a career-high 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points in 66 games.
The Netherlands native has yet to comment on the incident, nor have the Red Wings or the NHL.