Former Thunder player suing New York City, NYPD

Whether he sustained permanent injuries or merely a paper cut, the fact that Thabo was wrongly victimized happens far too often at the hands of the officers who are supposed to “protect and serve” our communities.

The National Basketball Association star has not yet sued the city, but he has filed a notice of claim – a legal document indicating his intentions to seek $50 million damages.

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. Even though Sefolosha’s leg was broken during the incident, police claimed that he was in the wrong that night.

But his attorney, Alex Spiro, contends that Sefolosha’s return to the court doesn’t mean he’s not permanently injured. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury found him not guilty on all charges, as James C. McKinley Jr. of the New York Times noted. Sprio said: “Unfortunately, he (Thabo) may not be dunking as much as he was before this (incident) happened”, said the attorney, claiming that Sefolosha injuries were “permanent in nature”.

Sefolosha and his lawyer reportedly originally quietly filed the lawsuit over the summer but the media just got wind of it on Wednesday.

On April 8, Sefolosha was at a posh Manhattan club where fellow National Basketball Association player Chris Copeland was stabbed. He was offered a plea deal before the trial but he turned it down in order to clear his name.

Sefolosha is expected to be ready for the Hawks when the season opens up for them on October 27 against the Detroit Pistons.