Online Child Abuse Cops Investigate NBA Star

American basketballer Chris Anderson has had his house searched by police charged with investigating child pornography and online grooming.

The Denver Nuggets said Andersen, nicknamed "Birdman" and known for his colourful tattoos, was "excused indefinitely" from team-related activities because of the investigation by the sheriff's office's internet crimes against children unit.

Sheriff's spokesman Deborah Sherman said the 33-year-old player opened the door for officers at his home in Larkspur, Colorado.

"He did co-operate. He spoke with deputies," she said.

The sheriff's office said it recovered property from Andersen's home that investigators believe is connected with the case.

Ms Sherman said items typically seized by the unit include computers, hard drives, and thumb drives.

She said she could not provide details on what items were taken from Andersen as the investigation was ongoing.

Police began investigating the player in February after receiving information from a law enforcement agency in California.

Andersen has not been arrested and no arrest warrant has been issued.