The Civilian Complaint Review Board is criticizing the arrest of NBA player Thabo Sefolosha outside a Chelsea nightclub in April.
The CCRB says police had no right to arrest the 31-year-old Atlanta Hawks player.
Sefolosha's leg was broken in a struggle causing him to miss the playoffs.
But the Board ruled that officers didn't use excessive force.
Prosecutors said Sefolosha ignored police orders to clear the street after ex-Knick Chris Copeland was stabbed outside the 1-Oak club in Chelsea.
But Sefolosha says he was heading up the block and was trying to give a panhandler money when cops grabbed him.
"That's their finding processes, now to come over for me to review the case, and I'll make the ultimate decision on that, so that process is moving forward," said Police Commissioner Bill Bratton.
Sefolosha's attorney say he didn't initiate the complaint, but says he's pleased the board found Sefolosha's arrest unlawful.
He was cleared of misdemeanor obstructing police, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.