Bucks’ Sterling Brown reaches $750K settlement with city of Milwaukee

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Nov 9, 2020 9:36 AM CDT | Updated: Nov 9, 2020 12:23 PM CDT

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee Bucks guard Sterling Brown has reached a $750,000 settlement with the City of Milwaukee.

On January 26, 2018, Brown was approached by a Milwaukee police officer after he parked illegally in a handicapped spot in a Walgreens parking lot. The officer called for backup and a group of officers tackled, tased and arrested Brown.

Brown was never charged with a crime, but several officers were suspended as a result of an internal investigation.

The Milwaukee Bucks released the following statement on Twitter Monday, Nov. 9:

“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. 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.”

Brown sued the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Police Department in June 2018

In October 2019, Brown's attorneys asked a federal judge to throw out a $400,000 settlement offer from the city. At the time, city officials said they and police officers have tried to improve community relations since Brown's arrest, and they thought their offer was just and reasonable.

The settlement includes a joint statement from the City of Milwaukee, "which contains an admission of a constitutional violation and a commitment to incorporate changes to Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedures."

The changes must be implemented within 180 days of the agreement.

The Milwaukee Common Council will make the final decision to to approve the settlement.

Read the full letter here: