Thabo Sefolosha to Sue NYPD, New York City: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Atlanta Hawks guard Thabo Sefolosha is planning to sue New York City and eight NYPD officers for up to $50 million due to injuries suffered during an encounter with police outside a Manhattan nightclub in April.

Continue for updates.

---

Sefolosha Confirms He Will File Suit

Monday, Oct. 26

Sefolosha told Hannah Storm of ESPN (h/t SportsCenter) that he will file suit against the city of New York, the New York Police Department and the officers involved for the injuries he suffered during the encounter.

“There is a lot of unknown about how this will affect me two years from now, five years from now, 10 years from now,” said Sefolosha, per Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

---

Sefolosha Files Legal Notice Against New York, NYPD

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Rebecca Rosenberg and Julia Marsh of the New York Post reported Wednesday that the 31-year-old Switzerland native originally filed the legal notice of claim over the summer. He's returned to action after suffering a broken leg during the incident, but his attorney told the outlet that doesn't mean he's fully healthy.

"Unfortunately, he may not be dunking as much as he was before this happened," defense lawyer Alex Spiro said.

Sefolosha was charged with obstructing governmental administration, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest as a result of the situation. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury found him not guilty on all charges, as James C. McKinley Jr. of the New York Times noted.

"This is just an incredible moment—to be able to clear my name," Sefolosha said at the time. "I just wanted truth to come out and justice to come out. I knew what happened that night and I feel like the world now knows as well."

McKinley also noted the Manhattan district attorney's office made a plea offer before the trial that would have dropped all charges in exchange for a day of community service. He instead decided to fight the charges because he felt the injuries he suffered, which forced him to miss last season's playoffs, were the result of wrongful arrest.

Sefolosha has appeared in three preseason games for the Hawks after recovering from the broken leg. He's averaged six points and 2.3 rebounds in limited duty as he works back toward full strength. The team raved about his continued progress over the weekend:

Although he's playing again, the New York Post report points out that the claim states Sefolosha's physical impact is nevertheless "permanent in nature and continuing into the future."

Sefolosha and the Hawks are set to open the regular season Oct. 27 against the Detroit Pistons.