NBA star Ryan Rollins has reportedly been dropped from the Washington Wizards over allegations of theft from a Target store on multiple occasions.
For context, the Wizards fully guaranteed the 21-year-old’s $1.7 million salary for the 2023-2024 season. He is also reportedly guaranteed $600,000 of his 2024-2025 salary.
Ryan Rollins’ Charges
But according to The Athletic, he is accused of stealing from the same Target store in Potomac Yards, Virginia, on seven occasions. He reportedly stole items like groceries, dog toys, and candles.
These incidents reportedly occurred between September to November 2023, when he was still part of the team.
Local law enforcement agencies reported that store surveillance cameras caught Rollins removing said items from the shelves and leaving the store without payment. They estimate the total value of the stolen goods to be worth several hundred dollars.
Virginia state classifies shoplifting where the amount stolen is less than $1,000 as a Class 1 misdemeanor. If found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, he could face 12 months behind bars and a fine of up to $2,500.
If the judge rules against the Michigan native, considering these incidents allegedly occurred seven times, the verdict would be much more severe.
The Washingtonian reportedly obtained court documents that reveal authorities arrested the athlete in November. He is now facing seven misdemeanor charges.
Washinton Wizards Address Ryan’s Shoplifting Case
Wizards’ president, Michael Winger, has since addressed the charges against Rollins in a statement. It read, “We just recently learned of the charges against Ryan.”
“We cannot comment on that matter, or the basis for our roster decisions. We do take our role very seriously as citizens of the DMV, representatives of our fans, and a team our community can be proud of.”
A court date is on the books for February 7. Rollins has yet to enter a plea.
In 10 games with the Wizards this season, the former guard averaged 4.1 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
They have yet to announce his official departure from the Wizards. But the team has already signed Hamidou Diallo to a 10-day contract to reinforce their wing position, per the NBA.
Whether officials plan to extend Diallo’s deal for the rest of the season remains unclear.
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