Chris Andersen Investigation: Latest Details on Bizarre Story

The past week has been a roller-coaster ride for Denver Nuggets forward Chris "Birdman" Andersen, to put it lightly.

On Thursday, it was reported that Andersen had his home searched by sheriff's deputies in an investigation run by the department's Internet Crimes Against Children unit, which deals with crimes such as child pornography or child luring.

It sounded bad, though Andersen cooperated with the authorities, he wasn't arrested and an arrest warrant wasn't issued. Several items were seized by his home, including electronic devices.

On Friday, Benjamin Hochman and Jessica Fender of The Denver Post reported that Andersen's attorney, Colin Bresse, maintained that Andersen was actually a victim of an extortion case.

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Documents reviewed by The Denver Post confirm that she repeatedly represented herself to be of legal age and that her family later demanded payment from Andersen.

"I want him to pay for everything on her Amazon wishlist and 5k for her bedding stuff and her victoria secret wishlist," wrote a person purporting to be the young woman's mother.

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That article went on to add the following:

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In 2010, Andersen began receiving letters and photos showing the young woman "scantily clad," Bresee said. In 2011, she flew to Colorado for a visit. She later became upset when Andersen no longer showed interest in her, according to the statement.

"In 2012, she then threatened to retaliate if he did not provide financial remuneration," Bresee wrote. "Professional athletes are routinely targeted by these types of individuals. The media has been speculating that he is a suspect, and not a victim, in a criminal investigation."

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As of now, neither Andersen nor the girl in question have been charged with any crimes. Andersen has already paid a price, however—he was excused indefinitely from the Nuggets after this news broke, and he missed the team's Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

Obviously, we'll reserve judgement until more details emerge or formal charges are filed against either Andersen or the young woman. This certainly seems to be heading down a troubling path one way or another, however.

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