Former NBA player Ty Lawson was arrested last week on suspicion of shoplifting a bottle of vodka from a Castle Rock, Colorado liquor store. During the arrest, Lawson allegedly directed a stream of insults at a police officer.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The California Post, Lawson was taken into custody on July 16 after a store employee accused him of stealing a $34 bottle of Tito's vodka and attempting to leave without paying. Police reported that Lawson smelled of alcohol when confronted.
During the booking process at the Douglas County jail, Lawson repeatedly called an officer "bitch" and "white bitch," the affidavit states. He also reportedly kicked the glass wall of his holding cell and repeatedly yelled "stop." The document noted that Lawson eventually "calmed down" and apologized for his behavior.
Lawson, 38, was booked on a charge of theft of property, shoplifting under $300. He played eight seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. He has not yet publicly commented on the incident.