New Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson hit with personal tragedy as he misses introductory press conference

Mitchell Robinson's first official introduction as a Boston Celtic did not go as planned. The new center missed Tuesday's introductory press conference after leaving Boston that morning to handle a personal family matter. While Paul George and Mike Conley met with the media, Robinson's situation remained private until more details emerged about a troubling incident involving his younger brother.Robinson later asked for prayers for his brother, Zeek, after he was reportedly hit by a car while jogging. The incident comes only months after Robinson dealt with another serious accident involving his sibling. For the 28-year-old center, a new chapter in Boston has now been overshadowed by a deeply personal family concern.Mitchell Robinson's brother was tragically hit by a carMitchell Robinson's younger brother Zeek was reportedly hit by a car while out for a jog, according to Celtics reporter Bobby Krivitsky. Robinson also shared a Facebook post asking people to pray for his brother.“Prayers for my little brother. my dawg can’t catch a break,” Robinson posted on Facebook.The latest incident is especially difficult because Robinson's family had already faced a serious car accident involving his younger brother earlier this year.Robinson previously revealed how shaken he was after learning about the crash. He was hundreds of miles away when he tried to contact his family and eventually saw his brother on FaceTime.“I began returning calls and texts, and when I FaceTimed my brother, I thought he was deceased,” Mitchell Robinson wrote. “He was wearing a neck brace, unresponsive, and not speaking. I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings. Being 910 miles away, I felt helpless.“In a moment of frustration, I banged my hand on my truck…I would like to address the concerns regarding my finger, which was actually my knuckle.”Robinson fractured the fifth metacarpal in his right hand during the incident. He underwent surgery but returned to play during New York's championship run.Mitchell Robinson missed the Boston Celtics' introductory press conferenceRobinson was scheduled to join George and Conley at the Celtics' introductory press conference. Instead, he left Boston that morning to deal with the family matter.Celtics president Brad Stevens briefly explained Robinson's absence.“He unfortunately had to leave this morning…to attend to a personal matter.”The team later confirmed Robinson would be introduced at a later date.The absence came shortly after Robinson agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million contract with Boston following eight seasons with the Knicks. He had also been working out with his new teammates and expressing confidence about his upcoming season.“Was working out with my coach in Boston. You know what he said? He didn’t know that I had the s–t that I showed tonight,” Robinson said. “The ball handling, the shooting, the touch. Right now, I’m just so confident in myself. I don’t worry about what no one said.”He added that it was “going to be a great year for me.”For now, Robinson's focus is on his family.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.