House of Denver Nuggets’ Chris Andersen searched by police
Chris “Birdman” Anderson will not be suiting up for the rest of the playoffs, or anytime soon for that matter. The Denver Nuggets excused him indefinitely from all team activities after Douglas County sheriff deputies entered and searched his home on Thursday afternoon before Denver’s game six first round match up against the Lakers.
While details have yet to be released, all that is known so far is that the people searching his home are in an investigation related to an Internet Crimes Against Children unit.
P. Solomon Banda of the Associated Press released the following:
“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.
Andersen answered the door at his Larkspur, Colo., home, about 40 miles south of Denver, and let deputies in, said Deborah Sherman, another sheriff’s spokesperson. ‘He did cooperate. He spoke with deputies’ – Sherman said.
The unit investigating Andersen investigates child porn, Internet luring, child predators and child pornography.”
Chris Andersen.
Mr. Anderson is currently responsible for overseeing the food and beverage department of the Bluff View Art District, managing over 150 employees. He is the elected executive committeeman to the Tennessee Democratic Party for District 10.
Mr. Anderson is also the vice-chair of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Health Council.
He is an appointed member of the city of Chattanooga Board of Sign Appeals.
Focusing on safe streets, good jobs, and strong neighborhoods, Mr. Anderson said Chattanooga “faces a bright future but also some big tasks. I intend to focus on creating sustainable growth and building the infrastructure that will draw high-tech jobs to the city.”
Additionally, he said he is putting an emphasis on reducing crime in the entire city, from the shopping districts to residential neighborhoods. Citing a well-equipped and trained police force as well as community involvement, Anderson said public safety is a big priority.
“Moving forward, our dedicated police force must be properly funded and managed so that it can safeguard every neighborhood in Chattanooga, not just a select few” – said Mr. Anderson. “We must not consider further annexation without developing a detailed plan for how to adequately fund public safety.”
He said he also plans to work with city officials and community leaders to build strong neighborhoods relationships. By bringing together involved citizens to solve problems, Mr. Anderson said he plans to promote inclusive growth that creates a better Chattanooga for everyone.
“I’m looking forward to this campaign because Chattanooga deserves safe streets, good jobs, and strong neighborhoods” – Mr. Anderson stated. “Chattanooga needs a representative who understands the challenges presented in our district–someone who can balance the competing interests and ensure equity in government for everyone. I’m excited about the opportunity to represent the people of District 7.”
Mr. Anderson will be holding a kick-off event for his campaign on Wednesday, May 23, at 5:30 p.m. at The Camp House, 1427 Williams St.
Mark Bryant (who serves as Andersen’s agent and attorney) said – “At this time, I respect the process and I have no further comment to protect the integrity of everyone involved. We’ll proceed from there.”
A message left at Andersen’s home wasn’t immediately returned Thursday to The Associated Press.
Andersen is in his seventh season in Denver, although his playing time dropped dramatically this season as young players gobbled up more minutes.
Andersen has a history of helping out charities during his time in Denver and New Orleans, where he played from 2004-08. According to the Nuggets’ media guide, Andersen raised money for Mount Saint Vincent, a home for troubled and abused children, and was honored at the home’s 2009 Silver Bell Ball. He’s also involved with Alliance for Choice in Education, which provides scholarships for low-income families to use in private schools.
His middle name is Claus, and he dressed up as Santa to raise money for ACE in 2009, according to his media guide bio. He also helped with hunger initiatives while with the Hornets.
With his colorful tattoos and high-flying, shot-blocking act, Andersen has long been a favorite with the fans in the Mile High City.
Andersen began his career in Denver in 2001, before bolting to New Orleans three seasons later. He had a breakout season with the Hornets in 2004-05, only to have his career derailed by drugs. He was kicked out of the NBA on January 27, 2006, for violating the league’s drug policy.
Following a ban that lasted more than two years, Andersen returned to New Orleans late in 2008, playing in five games and blocking four shots.
Andersen then rejoined Denver for the 2008-09 season, providing a spark off the bench and swatting 175 shots in the regular season. His play around the rim helped the Nuggets make a run to the Western Conference finals, where they fell to the Lakers in six games.
Andersen parlayed that big season into a five-year deal he signed with Denver in July 2009.