Wolves' Anthony Edwards Cited for Assault; Allegedly Threw Chair That Hit 2 Employees
Denver police have cited Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards for third-degree assault after he allegedly picked up, swung and threw a folding chair that hit two Ball Arena security guards, per Jake Shapiro of Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan.
Edwards' actions reportedly occurred after Minnesota lost 112-109 against the host Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of a Western Conference first-round playoff series, which finished the Timberwolves' postseason run. The defeat ended with Edwards missing a potential game-tying three-point attempt at the buzzer.
The NBA TV broadcast appeared to show Edwards tossing a chair before running to the tunnel.
Denver Police Department spokesman Jay Casillas told Shapiro the chair hit a pair of female security guards.
A source told Shapiro the chair first struck one security guard in the back before it hit a second guard. Both employees reportedly suffered minor injuries and asked to file charges, per Shapiro.
Dane Moore, who covers the Timberwolves, said he saw what happened:
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBAI was watching Ant last night as he ran off the floor + saw this. To my eye, it was a honest mistake<br><br>He should not have thrown the chair and hurt someone. But having walked through that tunnel last night, I will say it's very narrow. Fans are right on top of you — no clear path <a href="https://t.co/CfB72jSw8F">https://t.co/CfB72jSw8F</a>
Jackson Lloyd of the NBA Action with Jackson podcast relayed this video:
Jackson Lloyd @JacksonLloydNBAHad this sent to me, Idk original source. Credit to them. <br><br>It is unreal how something as harmless as moving a chair can get the assault label and ensuing fallout.<br><br>Everyone involved is a joke. <a href="https://t.co/IbOL04ptz1">pic.twitter.com/IbOL04ptz1</a>
On Thursday, Edwards' lawyer issued a statement on the charges.
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynesA statement to <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBAonTNT</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BleacherReport</a> from attorney Harvey Steinberg on behalf of client Anthony Edwards: "As video of incident confirms, Anthony did not swing chair at anyone and of course did not intend to hurt anyone…intends to vigorously defend against these baseless… <a href="https://t.co/UBN2gHexQa">pic.twitter.com/UBN2gHexQa</a>
Denver police held up the Minnesota bus following the game to cite Edwards, per Shapiro.
State law calls for third-degree assault to carry a punishment of up to 18 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
The Timberwolves released a statement on Edwards, per longtime NBA reporter Mark Medina.
"We are aware of the alleged incident regarding Anthony Edwards following Game 5 in Denver and are in the process of gathering more information," it read. "We have no further comment at this moment."
The 21-year-old Edwards just finished his third NBA season, averaging 24.6 points per game. He scored a team-high 29 points Tuesday.