Atlanta Hawks guard Thabo Sefolosha is suing the NYPD for breaking his leg

Thabo Sefolosha, a guard for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, fractured his fibula while reportedly “resisting arrest” outside a New York City night club late on April 8. Sefolosha claimed innocence and in the criminal trial held in early October, he was found not guilty of “misdemeanor obstructing government administration, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.”

Alex Spiro, Sefolosha’s attorney, alleged that race may have played a factor in Sefolosha’s injury. Via ESPN:

Spiro, the defense lawyer, has suggested that Sefolosha, who is black, was targeted because of his race. He pointed to surveillance video showing the white officer passing Antic, who also is white, and others as he demanded that Sefolosha move up the block.

Now, the NBA veteran plans on filing a civil suit against the NYPD, ESPN reports; Sefolosha could be entitled to upwards of $50 million if his suit is successful.