DENVER -- The Toronto Raptors filed a statement of claim against the Spanish Basketball Federation on Friday for nonpayment of insurance related to Jorge Garbajosa's injury.
Garbajosa underwent more surgery on his left leg and ankle on Dec. 11 in Baltimore.
The 6-foot-9 forward broke a bone in his lower leg and dislocated his ankle while trying to block a shot last March. The injury ended his rookie season.
Although the injury looked as if it would keep him out until training camp at the earliest, Garbajosa declared himself healthy enough to suit up for Spain at the European championship in Madrid over the summer.
At first, Toronto balked at Garbajosa's participation after general manager Bryan Colangelo said that tests showed the forward's fractured fibula wasn't completely healed. However, the two sides struck a deal after the Spanish federation agreed to insure his contract.
"It is unfortunate that we've reached this point," Toronto officials said in a statement. "The matter is now before the courts. Therefore, we will respect the court process and not comment further."
Chus Bueno, the executive director of the Spanish federation, told Spanish website Marca.com that the claim had already been paid.
"We've read the news, but we haven't received any official notice of anything, so it's hard to analyze. The federation paid Jorge's insurance claim," Bueno said. "We won't make any other statements."
m0mus 
