The Washington Wizards announced the waiver of 21-year-old guard Ryan Rollins on January 8, 2024.
While the team hasn’t officially disclosed the reason behind this move, Rollins has found himself in the midst of controversy.
Court documents from Alexandria General District Court reveal that Rollins faces charges of shoplifting from Target on multiple occasions between September 9 2023 to November 9, 2023.
The stolen items reportedly include groceries, body wash, and candles, leading to seven counts of petit larceny against the young player.
Once the news went viral, NBA fans were perplexed.
What adds to the intrigue is Rollins’ substantial contract, featuring a fully guaranteed $1.7 million salary for the ongoing 2023-2024 season and an additional $600,000 earmarked for the 2024-2025 season.
This raises eyebrows as it is natural to ponder the motive behind a player of his standing resorting to theft of seemingly trivial items.
Check out the hilarious reactions on X, formerly Twitter:
“Makes 1.7 million and can’t afford Target merch.”
Makes 1.7 million and can't afford Target merch. 😂
— Chris K (@pteclairekid) January 12, 2024
“Well that’s one way to lead the league in steals.”
Well that's one way to lead the league in steals.
— Metroplex Boomin (@soundwave803) January 12, 2024
“I bet he stole something as a prank, and now this not worth the NBA cutting him though.”
I bet he stole something as a prank, and now this ‼️ not worth the NBA cutting him though
— MR.Ugly Man 🗨 (@realreec) January 12, 2024
“All that money he makes and he has to steal lol.”
All that money he makes and he has to steal lol
— Nate Thomas (@bignate619) January 12, 2024
“They would have let it slide for Walmart but Target?! Yeah real crack head move.”
They would hv let it slide for Walmart but Target?! Yeah real crack head move
— Borntee (@IGborntee) January 12, 2024
“File this under “the DUMBEST PERSON ALIVE” to throw away your career for something you could afford.”
File this under “the DUMBEST PERSON ALIVE” to throw away your career for something you could afford 🙄
— BK923 (@BK92316) January 12, 2024
“Stealing Body Wash and Candles with a Million dollar deal.”
Stealing Body Wash and Candles with a Million dollar deal 🫠🫠🫠 https://t.co/1HGoqJ1qbs pic.twitter.com/sxgQWxsgEX
— Vada Fly (@Vada_Fly) January 12, 2024
“I guess the NBA doesn’t pay him enough.”
I guess the NBA doesn't pay him enough https://t.co/ZwKgnNHqJh
— Cee Cee (@Cee_Ceelicious) January 13, 2024
“This dude so wild got caught stealing over 6-7x with items less than $1k on a guaranteed $1M contract…. Stupid gona stupid everytime.”
This dude so wild😭 got caught stealing over 6-7x with items less than $1k on a guaranteed $1M contract…. Stupid gona stupid everytime https://t.co/nJPHPmqcmf
— Cody B. (@Dey_Philn_CodyB) January 12, 2024
“People dont just get accused of stealing from target LMFAO.”
people dont just get accused of stealing from target LMFAO https://t.co/Y15GUwaHMz
— SILAS (@sighIess) January 12, 2024
Rollins is set to make his next court appearance in Virginia on February 7, as indicated by court documents.
This legal trouble marks a stark contrast to his promising start in the NBA.
Initially drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2022 NBA draft, he was subsequently traded to the Golden State Warriors for Tyrese Martin and cash considerations.
Despite missing the NBA Summer League due to a right foot injury, Rollins signed his rookie contract in July 2022.
Unfortunately, his journey took a hit on February 6, 2023, when he underwent season-ending surgery for a Jones fracture in his right foot.
Following a significant trade on July 6, 2023, Rollins became a part of the Washington Wizards in a deal that included players and draft picks, with Chris Paul heading to the other side.
