Jury deliberates in Sefolosha trial, asks for video
NEW YORK — A jury is deliberating in the New York City trial of Atlanta Hawks guard Thabo Sefolosha, who is charged with resisting arrest and other crimes.
The six-person panel on Thursday asked to see video of the April 8 confrontation between Sefolosha and police officers.
Sefolosha has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor obstructing government administration, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest charges. Prosecutors say he disobeyed orders to clear the street after Chris Copeland and two women were stabbed outside a Manhattan nightclub.
One of the officers said Sefolosha lunged at an officer with his arm extended but was intercepted before making contact, eventually taken to the ground and arrested.
But the Swiss national testified he was moving up the block and attempting to give a beggar money when he was grabbed by officers. He has said his leg was broken in the ensuing struggle, causing him to miss the playoffs.
Attorney Alex Spiro has argued that his client was singled out by the officer, who is white, because Sefolosha is black.
Taking the stand as the final defense witness Thursday, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer described Sefolosha as “highly intelligent” and a “hard worker.”
The case is the second one involving high-profile athletes accusing New York Police Department officers of wrongdoing this year. On Wednesday, the city agency charged with investigating police misconduct substantiated claims by former tennis star James Blake that an officer used excessive force when he took him to the ground last month after mistaking Blake for a fraud suspect.
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