James Harden Arrested in Houston on Misdemeanor Weapon Charge
· Yahoo Sports
James Harden was arrested in Houston early Saturday on a misdemeanor weapon charge after police said they found a handgun in plain view inside a vehicle he owns.
The 36-year-old NBA star was taken into custody in Harris County at about 3:41 a.m. on June 13 and booked at 4:57 a.m., according to court records cited by NBC News. The charge is unlawfully carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle, and CNN reported that Harden was later released on a $100 bond.
Visit afnews.co.za for more information.
Harden is scheduled to appear in court on June 22. The case remains at the charge stage, and no plea or final ruling had been reported in the first wave of coverage.
Police Said the Gun Was Visible During a Houston Stop
People reported that Harris County court records say a handgun was found in plain sight inside Harden’s vehicle and was not secured in a holster. The outlet also reported that the reason for the traffic stop was not immediately clear.
Houston Chronicle reported that police said Harden was driving a Mercedes in downtown Houston when officers saw a gun in the car’s cup holder. The outlet reported that Harden acknowledged the gun was his.
Harden Was Released on a $100 Bond
Image Credit: photoyh / Shutterstock.Reuters reported that Harden was released from jail Saturday after posting the $100 bond. Court records cited by multiple outlets list the charge as a misdemeanor count of unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Harden’s next court setting is scheduled for June 22 in Harris County. The Houston Police Department and Harden’s representatives had not publicly commented in People’s initial report.
The Cavaliers Said They Are Gathering Information
Harden played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the most recent NBA season after a February trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. Reuters reported that the Cavaliers said they were aware of Harden’s arrest, were gathering more information, and were in contact with Harden and his representatives.
The team said it would continue to monitor the situation. The Cavaliers did not give additional comment while the legal process remains active.
Harden Spent Nearly a Decade in Houston
Harden has long-standing ties to Houston after playing for the Rockets from 2012 to 2021. He became one of the NBA’s most productive scorers during that stretch and won the 2017-18 league MVP award while with the Rockets.
Reuters reported that Harden averaged 23.6 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 70 games during the season. He is an 11-time All-Star and a six-time All-NBA First Team selection.