NBA player Sterling Brown agrees to $750K settlement in Milwaukee police brutality case

NBA player Sterling Brown has reached a $750,000 proposed settlement with the City of Milwaukee stemming from a 2018 altercation with the city’s police, reports CNN.

Sterling Brown filed a lawsuit against Milwaukee police

The Milwaukee Bucks player brought a civil rights lawsuit in federal court claiming Milwaukee police used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment, according to a letter from the City of Milwaukee’s Office of the City Attorney to Milwaukee’s Common Council.

Along with the proposed $750,000, Brown wants the settlement to include a joint statement from the City of Milwaukee that contains an admission of a constitutional violation and a commitment to incorporate policy changes to the Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedures, which must be implemented within 180 days of the agreement.

Sterling Brown Milwaukee body cam (Photo: YouTube Screenshot | https://youtu.be/YvX66DoKRdU?si=GfNifz9IldefdGhD)

Incident with Milwaukee police

On January 26, 2018, Brown was tased by police and wrestled to the ground by several officers after an officer said he had parked across two handicapped spots at a Walgreens drugstore. He was never charged with a crime.

Bodycam footage

According to the report by CNN, bodycam footage shows a Milwaukee police officer stepping on Brown’s ankle during his arrest, while others heckle Brown and any potential civil rights complaint he might make.

Milwaukee Bucks statement on Sterling Brown’s lawsuit

The Milwaukee Bucks issued a statement on Monday supporting Brown’s commitment to use the “horrifying abuse and injustice” as a catalyst to make change within the community.

“We are pleased that Sterling’s lawsuit has been mutually resolved and that there’s been an important commitment by the City of Milwaukee and its Police Department to make changes to the MPD’s standard operating procedures. No one should ever have to go through the horrifying abuse and injustice that Sterling experienced,” the statement said.

“We commend Sterling for his courageous response to this terrible situation by repeatedly sharing his story and working tirelessly with countless local groups and organizations to help make change in our community. And we also commend the City’s leadership for its commitment to implement these important changes to better Milwaukee.”