NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks' Thabo Sefolosha Not Guilty of Charges, Returns to Court; NBA Union Will Support Sefolosha if He Sue NYPD

9029870
NBA Union will support Thabo Sefolosha if he decide to go afte NYPD in civil court.  Thabo Sefolosha on Twitter

Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha recently received a not guilty verdict for a case related to an incident involving the New York Police Department in April. The encounter took place last season outside a trendy Manhattan nightclub during the final week prior to the playoffs. It left him with a broken leg causing him to miss two preseason games.

On Wednesday, 6-foot-7 forward finally returned to a "court" he is more familiar with. "It's great to be back. That's what I love doing. This group is special and it's like being around family," Sefolosha said after the Hawks' 100-86 win over the San Antonio Spurs during an exhibition game at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

Sefolosha scored five points and grabbed three rebounds in eight minutes, which all happened in the first half. Although he did not play much, it was a big step in his recovery from a serious leg injury. "I didn't play heavy minutes, but at the same time it was good just to have a feel for it and be out there," he said.

With DeMarre Carroll set to become a free agent, Sefolosha is slated to assume a bigger role in Atlanta this season, so getting him healthy is one of the team's priority. The 31-year-old guard will likely be placed slide into the starting small-forward spot when he is able to do longer minutes.

After being cleared of all three charges against him, Sefolosha said that he has not yet decided whether to go after the NYPD in civil court. The player earlier said that the police department is at fault for his leg injury.

Nevertheless, Michele Roberts, executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, said on Wednesday that the union will support Sefolosha should he decide to pursue civil litigation, ESPN reported.

"He had a criminal case and we had to respect that. He now has a civil litigation if he wants to pursue it. I take my lead from him ... but all he has to do is turn me on and I'm gone. I can't even tell you how horrific the experience he had was. It was just dreadful," Roberts mentioned in a question-and-answer session at the "espnW: Women + Sports Summit" event held in Dana Point, California.

As such, Sefolosha has the NBA Union and the team of lawyers on staff behind him. He could apparently afford his own counsel, but Robert's support would also be a huge advantage. On the other hand, now that he is cleared of the charges, the player could also choose to move on and focus on the season ahead.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.