NBA Player Alleges Racial Profiling At Jewelry Store

Milwaukee Bucks' John Henson is calling out a high-end jewelry store for alleged racial profiling after he was refused service and then confronted by police in the parking lot. 

In an Instagram post shortly after the alleged Monday afternoon incident, the 24-year-old power forward called the ordeal "one of the ... most degrading and racially prejudice [sic] things I've ever experienced in life" and noted that he "wouldn't wish this on anyone."

Henson wrote that when he tried to enter Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers  in the Milwaukee suburb of Whitefish Bay, employees locked the door on him and told him to go away. Henson noted he was trying to make a purchase during regular business hours. 

A few moments later, Henson said a pair of police cars pulled up and watched him from a distance for about five minutes. He said he suspected the store had called the cops on him.

In a statement released Monday, the Whitefish Bay Police Department confirmed that officers had been responding to a call from an employee reporting "suspicious activity." The employee said someone had been calling the store asking what time they closed. The store's Milwaukee location had been burglarized in the past, police said.

Henson said two officers then questioned him about his car, which he said he drives as part of an endorsement deal with a local Chevrolet and Cadillac dealership. 

Police said that the employee asked officers to stay while Henson shopped, but that they declined.

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers President Tom Dixon said in a statement  on Monday that there was "no excuse" for the way Henson was treated.

"I hope to see him again to personally apologize," Dixon said.

Earlier this month the Bucks signed Henson to a four-year, $44 million extension that could increase to $48 million with incentives.

H/T Deadspin

Also on HuffPost: