Former NBA Ty Lawson arrested for shoplifting in Colorado

Former NBA player Ty Lawson was arrested last week in Colorado on a shoplifting charge and is accused of directing racial insults at a police officer during the booking process, according to court documents. The 38-year-old was taken into custody by Castle Rock police on the evening of July 16 after an employee at a liquor store accused him of stealing a 34-ounce bottle of Titos vodka.

Police were called to the store after 8 p.m. when the employee reported the theft, alleging Lawson took the bottle to a nearby restaurant. According to a probable cause affidavit obtained from Douglas County, officers confronted Lawson, who allegedly smelled of an unknown alcoholic substance. He was subsequently arrested and booked on a theft charge.

The affidavit details a disruptive episode at the jail. Lawson is accused of repeatedly calling an arresting officer a "bitch" and a "white bitch" during the pre-booking process. He allegedly spat on the floor, kicked the glass wall of his cell, and repeatedly yelled "stop." The document states he later calmed down and apologized for his behavior. A friend who was with Lawson and found in possession of the bottle was also detained but later released...