Ty Lawson tested positive for alcohol three times, per report

Sacramento Kings point guard Ty Lawson tested positive for alcohol three times since September, according to a new report from TMZ. This news comes on the heels of yesterday’s report indicating Denver officials were seeking a warrant for Lawson’s arrest following an alleged probation violation.

Per TMZ:

But officials say Lawson tested positive for booze on 9/27, 9/29 and 2/7.

FYI, the Kings had the day off on 2/7 in between two home games.

Lawson spoke with reporters at Kings Media Day on Sept. 26 ... giving interviews about his troubled past, including the drunk driving arrest ... and vowing to move forward.

The next day, officials say he tested positive for booze.

Officials want the judge to revoke Lawson's probation and subject him to harsher punishment -- which includes jail time.

A court date has been set for March 22 -- the same day the Kings play the Bucks -- and if he doesn't show, a warrant will be issued for his arrest.

Lawson has played well this season for the Kings, but if these reports are true the Kings need to cut ties. There was skepticism among many Kings fans when Lawson was originally signed. His probation is a result of a drunk driving arrest in 2015, Lawson’s 4th alcohol-related legal issue. It seemed like Lawson had been keeping himself in line, but this clearly isn’t the case.

It’s still unclear if the Kings knew about the positive tests in September, but if they knew and still kept Lawson on the roster it’s a disgraceful moment for the franchise.

Vlade Divac claimed the Kings are about creating the right culture. “Character matters” we were told. It’s now time for the Kings to put their money where their mouth is. DeMarcus Cousins was traded because “character matters”. Matt Barnes was released because “character matters”.

Character matters, Vlade. Show us yours.

We have reached out to the Kings for comment and will update if we hear back or if the team makes a statement.

Update #1: The Denver Post is reporting that a bench warrant has been issued for Ty Lawson’s arrest. The Post also shares additional details of the violations of Lawson’s probation.

Lawson, currently a point guard for the Sacramento Kings, was being supervised in California when he tested positive for alcohol on Sept. 27, Sept. 29 and Feb. 2, according Denver County Court records.

Lawson also failed to complete the community service portion of his sentence. As a condition of his probation he was to serve 48 hours of community service. He also was required to receive 52 hours of therapy.

Update #2:

Ty Lawson’s Attorney, Harvey Steinberg, has released the following statement:

"Reports that there is a warrant out for Mr. Lawson's arrest are incorrect. On March 22, 2016 the court reset this matter for March 22, 2017 to review Mr. Lawson's probation status. All related matters will be reviewed by the court at that time."