Now that Atlanta Hawks’ Thabo Sefolosha has been acquitted of all charges against him stemming from a brawl with police back in April, the tables have turned and it’s time for him to go on the offensive in court.
During the incident, which occurred in front of Manhattan hot spot 1 OAK, Sefolosha got in a scuffle with eight cops that resulted in him sustaining a broken leg. From video footage obtained of the altercation that night, it appears that the cops used excessive force with Sefolosha, whose only “crime” that night was being in the path of a crime scene. Now, he plans to sue NYC and the eight cops involved for up to $50 million, citing that they caused permanent injuries to his leg.
In a legal notice filed with the city, Sefolosha claims that his broken leg has caused him to be “substantially disabled” and that the “damages are permanent in nature and continuing into the future.” His lawyer adds that he might not be able to dunk as much going forward due to the injury.
Months after the incident, Sefolosha appears to be just about fully recovered. He has been practicing with the Hawks during the preseason and plans on playing in their season opener next week. However, being that he is an NBA player, any damage to his leg, no matter how minimal, could potentially cost him millions. Looks like the cops messed with the wrong one that night. We’ll have to see how this one turns out. Do you think Sefolosha will win the lawsuit?
