ELK GROVE, Calif. — A former NBA G-League basketball player is alleging a beating from Elk Grove police cost him his career. He's filed a lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
The lawsuit deals with an incident from Oct. 14, 2022. According to the complaint filed by Dakarai Allen's lawyers, he had two glasses of wine at work event and went home, but he ultimately pulled over near a neighbor's house when he realized he shouldn't be driving and then fell asleep in his car.
The complaint says neighbors thought he was a shooting victim and called police. He was woken up by two Elk Grove police officers who got him out of his car, pushed him against it and slammed him to the ground while trying to arrest him, according to the lawsuit.
At one point, an Elk Grove Officer allegedly hit Allen in the right leg twice with a baton, fracturing his knee in three places.
Two other officers arrived to help restrain Allen, eventually using a WRAP device. Allen was taken to a hospital for medical clearance and later taken to the county jail.
Allen is accusing Elk Grove police of causing injuries that ended his NBA G-League career.
"Because of his injuries, Mr. Allen is now unable to pursue his plans to play basketball professionally. In addition, Mr. Allen also suffered and continues to suffer from emotional distress because of this encounter," the complaint said.
Allen and his lawyers allege the assault was unlawful and unnecessary.
ABC10 reached out to the Elk Grove Police Department, however a spokesperson says they do not comment on any pending or active litigation.
The entire lawsuit can be seen in the PDF below.