Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha settled a civil lawsuit against five New York Police Department officers earlier this week, and he announced Friday that he plans to donate a large portion of his $4-million settlement to an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization.
Sefolosha's lawsuit pertained to an incident outside a Manhattan nightclub in April 2015, when he suffered a broken leg and ankle ligament damage while being forcefully arrested. He underwent surgery, missing the final five regular-season games and 16 playoff games.
"We are all aware that there are still too many cases of police brutality today," Sefolosha said in a statement. "So many of these cases go unnoticed or unreported; so many victims do not have the means to fight for justice as I could. It's unfair.
"While I alone can't bring the type of change needed to eliminate these issues, I want to help make a difference. A substantial portion of my settlement will be donated to Gideon's Promise, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that helps support and train public defenders across the country.
"On their website, it reads 'We are the voice for the voiceless.' I hope my donation can help give many more people a voice to fight for justice as I did."
On top of bringing his suit against the NYPD, Sefolosha had to defend himself against three misdemeanor charges - including resisting arrest - related to the incident. He was acquitted of all three charges in October.
"It is an extremely gratifying feeling to know that justice has been served and that now, finally, I can truly put this behind me," he said. "To fight for what is right and be fully exonerated and vindicated is both satisfying and very humbling."