Raptors sue Spanish Basketball Federation over Garbajosa

TORONTO (Reuters) - The Toronto Raptors filed a statement of claim against the Spanish Basketball Federation on Friday for the non-payment of an insurance policy on forward Jorge Garbajosa.

"It is unfortunate that we've reached this point," the Raptors said in a statement. "The matter is now before the courts."

The dispute centers around Garabjosa's participation in last year's European championship.

After breaking his left leg and ankle in March, bringing his rookie campaign to a premature end, the Raptors did not want Garbajosa to take part in tournament but agreed to release him after the Spanish federation took out a $1 million insurance policy.

Garbajosa played seven games this season but underwent surgery again on the leg in December.

(Writing by Steve Keating in Detroit; Editing by Peter Rutherford)