Ex-Cavs Big Man Samardo Samuels Arrested For Disorderly Conduct, Stalking In Italy

March 10, 2025

Former Cavaliers forward Samardo Samuels was arrested in Milan, Italy, over the weekend for drinking alcohol and blaring music in the courtyard of a residential building, as relayed by Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.

Samuels, 36, reportedly had a Cane Corso dog with him at the time of his arrest. A family called the police after fearing for its safety, reports say.

“I’m a champion. I’m not a criminal,” Samuels shouted while struggling to maintain his balance during the arrest, authorities said.

Per Askounis, the incident marked the fifth time the police have intervened in a situation involving Samuels in recent weeks.

“Following further investigation, an ongoing case for stalking and violating a restraining order involving the father of the family was confirmed,” Askounis wrote. “Additional complaints include several past altercations with residents and even an assault on a delivery worker.”

Samuels appeared in 109 total games with the Cavs from 2011-13 — his lone stretch in the NBA. He carries career averages of 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds.

The remainder of his career came in Europe’s premier club league with Italy’s Emporio Armani Milan and Spain’s FC Barcelona Lassa. Samuels won a championship in Serie A Beko in 2014 and in Supercopa Endesa in 2015.

He currently lives in Milan.

“Additional overseas experience ranges from France, Greece, Kosovo, and Serbia to Israel, China, Lebanon, Mexico, South Korea, and Venezuela,” Askounis wrote.

“At the international level, he represented Jamaica in the 2009 CBC Championship and won gold before more caps in the 2012 Centrobasket and 2013 FIBA Americas.”