SerpApi.Org
Former NBA guard Ty Lawson found himself in the news for all the wrong reasons this week. The former league veteran, who hasn’t played since 2017, was recently exposed for his role in a shoplifting scandal in Castle Rock, Colorado, revealing just how far he’s fallen.
According to an arrest affidavit acquired by FOX31, Lawson was caught shoplifting at a liquor store about 30 minutes south of Denver. He only took a single bottle of Tito’s vodka on the way out, but it was enough to get him into trouble after being caught by the shop owner.
“A former Denver Nuggets player was arrested for allegedly stealing a bottle of vodka from a store in Castle Rock,” wrote FOX31. “The incident occurred on July 16, around 8:03 p.m., when a shop owner called police about a man who had entered the store and stolen a bottle of Tito’s vodka before leaving.”
Lawson, 38, was reportedly intoxicated during the incident, which explains the behavior. He has a troubling legal history that includes several DUIs, a probation violation, and even a domestic violence dispute that was later dismissed in court. For Ty, it seems old habits die hard as he once again let alcohol take him over the line.
“According to the affidavit, the shop owner told police that she witnessed the man take a drink from the bottle outside of the store before walking to a nearby restaurant, Scileppi’s, where he took the bottle by the fire pit, then sat at the bar with the stolen bottle. The owner advised that the man was possibly drunk, as she said she witnessed him stumbling.”
Since Lawson’s theft was for less than $3,000, the penalty will likely be minor in this case. Even so, it’s a bad sign for someone who was once a starting-level point guard in the NBA.
“When officers arrived, they arrested the man, later identified as Tywon Lawson. Lawson faces a charge of theft less than $300, shoplifting. During the incident, Lawson’s friend, who was holding the Tito’s bottle, was also detained, but later released after officers determined he had no role in the shoplifting. The arresting officer noted that Lawson emanated the smell of an unknown alcoholic substance.”
Drafted 18th overall in 2009, Lawson had a humble start to his career before eventually becoming a core member of the Denver Nuggets. With averages of 12.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 46.0% shooting, he provided a steady hand at point guard throughout his career, and he was always well-regarded in the community. Sadly, however, he’s out of action completely after getting banned from the CBA. In many ways, his story is a reminder that prosperity at the highest levels does not always last. Life is fragile in many ways, and a career in the NBA does not ensure easy living.
In the end, despite the optics, this could have turned out much worse for Lawson. If he had taken more, or if things got violent, the situation would have been untenable. The hope now is that he takes this moment as a wake-up call to turn his life around and cut out the bad habits that have frequently gotten him into trouble.
