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Sacramento Kings' Zach Randolph: 'I felt that I was wrongfully arrested'

By The Sports Xchange
Golden State Warriors Andrew Bogut (12) goes up to block a shot by Memphis Grizzles Zach Randolph (50) in the first period at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on April 13, 2016. File photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
Golden State Warriors Andrew Bogut (12) goes up to block a shot by Memphis Grizzles Zach Randolph (50) in the first period at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on April 13, 2016. File photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo

Sacramento Kings power forward Zach Randolph told reporters that he was "wrongfully arrested" last month at a Los Angeles housing project on suspicion of possessing marijuana with intent to sell.

Randolph was charged with misdemeanor drug possession and resisting arrest, instead of the felony charge, and ultimately was sentenced earlier this month to 150 hours of community service.

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"I'm not speaking a lot about it," Randolph told reporters Monday, "but I felt that I was wrongfully arrested. Things that was put out there wasn't true. But I don't want to be a distraction to my team, my organization, so I'm just going to move forward and play basketball."

Randolph entered a no-contest plea at his court appearance earlier this month before receiving his sentence of community service.

Court documents said Randolph possessed "more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or more than four grams of concentrated cannabis or both." The 36-year-old was also accused of resisting arrest and obstructing a Los Angeles police officer in the discharge of his or her duties.

On Aug. 9, officers reportedly encountered a group drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and playing loud music while blocking the street in the Nickerson Gardens area in Los Angeles. The disturbance escalated with Randolph being arrested at 11 p.m. PT and booked 5 1/2 hours later with bail being set for $20,000, according to police reports.

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A two-time All-Star, Randolph signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Kings this summer after ending his eight-year tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Randolph ranks first in Grizzlies' franchise history in rebounds (5,612) and is second behind Mike Conley in points (9,261). He excelled in a reserve role last season, averaging 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds.

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