Police cite Bucks' Larry Sanders for nightclub incident; fight video released
Larry Sanders (center) is sidelined with a thumb injury. (Mike McGinnis/Getty Images Sport)
Bucks center Larry Sanders has been cited by Milwaukee Police for his role in a late-night incident at a nightclub in November.
The Associated Press reports that Sanders was cited on disorderly conduct and assault and battery charges, two municipal citations, and that police will not pursue criminal charges. The incident occurred at a club called “Apartment 720,” which is located less than a mile from the Bradley Center.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the two charges carry total fines of $551 and that a court date has been set for Jan. 21.
“We are going to defend him,” [attorney Michael] Hart told the Journal-Sentinel. “He has gotten a bad rap. The facts will bear that out.”
The paper also reported in November that Sanders was also cited on animal cruelty charges earlier this year.
Video of the fight -- which can be seen below via Fox6Now.com -- was also released Wednesday.
Sanders can be seen engaged in an extended scuffle, and he is briefly surrounded by a number of people who appear to be hitting him as he slipped towards a booth. Sanders then appears to throw multiple objects -- likely bottles -- which leads to a second round of fisticuffs. Between five and 10 people can be seen engaged in the incident, either throwing punches, shoving, or trying to separate people.
Following the incident, Sanders underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and he is currently sidelined. Sanders was selected to The Point Forward's "All-Letdown" team this week.
After agreeing to a four-year, $48 million extension in August, Sanders acknowledged he was being entrusted with a leadership role on a rebuilt Bucks team, and he said that he looked forward to “represent[ing] Milwaukee” for the duration of his new deal.
“Can’t believe I’ve been granted this opportunity to represent Milwaukee for the next five years and hopefully the rest of my career,” Sanders wrote on Instagram after signing his new deal. “Words can not explain my gratitude for the Bucks organization and the faith in me as a leader and a worker. I won’t let you down Mil-town.”
In October, Sanders’ former agent sued his current representation for alleged client poaching prior to Sanders’ rookie contract extension agreement.
The 2010 first-round pick out of Virginia Commonwealth started 55 games for Milwaukee last season, averaging 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks while establishing a reputation as one of the NBA’s most fearless and physically gifted interior defenders. Sanders finished second in the league in blocks per game and placed seventh in the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year voting.
