Denver Nuggets defensive stopper Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen is currently the subject of an investigation by the Colorado Police and specifically the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Today Andersen’s house was searched and the police confiscated his computer and other electronic devices. Birdman wasn’t arrested, and no warrant for his arrest has been issued thus far, but the investigation into Andersen is ongoing. In the interim the Denver Nuggets organization has banished Andersen until the situation is resolved:
The team issued a statement saying Andersen has been “excused from all team-related activities indefinitely as he deals with the reported investigation” and declined further comment.
The 10th-year pro hasn’t played in the postseason after averaging 5.3 points and 4.6 rebounds during the regular season.
Sheriff’s spokesman Ron Hanavan confirmed that the search took place Thursday. Andersen has not been arrested and Hanavan said no arrest warrant has been issued.
The department began investigating Andersen in February after receiving information from a law enforcement agency in California. Hanavan declined to release details, including the nature of any pending charges, citing an ongoing investigation. He said they’re asking that the case be sealed.
Apparently Andersen was co-operative with the authorities and the details of the case are still unclear. Andersen was banned from the NBA for two years back in 2006 for violating the league’s drug policy, but if Birdman was guilty of something as serious as child pornography, his playing days will be over.
[Quotes via ESPN]
