Milwaukee Bucks big man Robin Lopez unknowingly became involved in a criminal case after purchasing items that were reportedly stolen from Disney World, according to a report from Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel.
Lopez, who signed a two-year, $4.8 million deal with the Bucks this offseason, purchased some rare items that were once a part of a vintage Epcot animatronic named Buzzy. Though he didn't know it, these items were discovered to be stolen.
The Milwaukee Bucks player was in possession of clothing that belonged to a vintage Epcot animatronic called Buzzy — items that authorities later discovered were stolen before the clothes could be sent to Disney’s archives in Anaheim, according to the audio interviews released by the state attorney’s office after an Orlando Sentinel public records request.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Lopez bought the items from Brett Finley, who is a known Disney collector. Lopez, who is also a known Disney connoisseur, and Finley, had correspondence on eBay. The two later exchanged cell phone numbers and the transaction was made. As a show of compliance, both phones were turned over to the police for the investigation.
It's not clear which items Lopez was in possession of, but he and Finley are being labeled as victims in the case:
Last year, deputies began investigating after the animatronic “Buzzy” and his clothing — including a bomber jacket, headphones and green hat, valued at $7,000 — went missing from the Cranium Command attraction at Epcot. The ride, which explored how the brain works, shut down in 2007. The new audio did not say what clothes specifically Lopez had.
Patrick Spikes, an ex-Disney employee, and his cousin, Blaytin Taunton, are accused of stealing the items. Both have denied the allegations against them.
Hopefully, this won't cause too much of a distraction for Lopez. He and the Bucks will be back in action on Monday night, as they're scheduled for a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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