Ex-NBA guard Ty Lawson faces theft charge amid allegations of police misconduct and racism
Former Denver Nuggets star Ty Lawson, 38, has been charged with theft of less than $300 following an arrest in Colorado, while simultaneously alleging racial bias in his treatment by law enforcement.
Former NBA player Ty Lawson is facing legal proceedings in Castle Rock, Colorado, following an arrest on July 16 that has sparked public controversy over the circumstances of his detention. Lawson, 38, is charged with theft of less than $300 after a liquor store worker accused him of stealing a $34 bottle of Tito’s vodka. He is scheduled to appear in court next month for a pretrial conference.
The incident began when Lawson was detained by the Castle Rock Police Department. According to an arrest affidavit reported by Edward Lewis of the New York Post, the former guard allegedly displayed aggressive behaviour during the pre-booking process. The document states that Lawson screamed profanities at officers, including referring to one as a “white b—h,” and kicked the glass wall of his cell. Despite these initial actions, reports indicate that Lawson eventually calmed down and apologised for his conduct before being released.
In response to the arrest, Lawson took to social media platform X on Thursday to contest the narrative surrounding the event. He posted a statement alleging that he experienced racism during his encounter with police, describing the incident as the “wildest and more racist s–t I been thru.” Lawson specifically targeted the liquor store worker in his posts, writing, “Being lied by a pasty face white woman wild… stay outta castle rock Colorado!!!!”
The Castle Rock Police Department’s handling of the situation has drawn attention due to the stark contrast between Lawson’s public allegations of bias and the official police account of his behaviour. The arrest affidavit details a scenario where Lawson was described as a “nightmare to his arresting officer,” citing repeated yelling and physical interaction with the cell infrastructure. These details form the basis of the current legal case, which remains active as the pretrial conference approaches.
Lawson, who was drafted 18th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2009, has a documented history of legal issues throughout his basketball career, having been arrested multiple times in the past. He played eight full seasons in the NBA and overseas before retiring from professional play. The outcome of the current theft charge and the validity of his racism allegations will be determined through the upcoming judicial process.
