Indiana State Police arrested former NBA player Rajon Rondo on Sunday in southern Indiana on gun and drug charges. The 37-year-old two-time NBA champion was initially pulled over for a traffic violation in Jackson County, according to a news release issued by the police.
The arrest came after a caller reported a black 2022 Tesla traveling recklessly on I-65 South between Indianapolis and Louisville. When a state trooper approached the vehicle, they detected the smell of marijuana. Subsequently, a search of the car was conducted, revealing a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and suspected marijuana.
Rajon Rondo was taken into custody and transported to the Jackson County Jail. However, he was quickly released after posting bond. The release mentioned that there was a juvenile present in Rondo's vehicle at the time, who was released to a family member.
Rondo's next court appearance is scheduled for February 27th in Jackson County Superior Court. It was not immediately clear whether Rondo had legal representation, as the Associated Press was unable to reach his attorney for comment.
The incident involving Rondo carrying a firearm is a violation of a non-contact court order that was issued against him in August. This is the second protective order filed against him, with the initial one emerging in 2022 when a woman from Louisville accused Rondo of becoming enraged and threatening her life. In that instance, the woman requested that Rondo undergo anger management classes, counseling, and a mental health evaluation.
However, the emergency protective order was dismissed in June 2022 after an agreement was reached between both parties. Another protective order was filed against Rondo by the same woman in March 2023, leading to the currently binding court order issued in August.
Rondo has deep roots in the state of Kentucky, having started his high school career in Louisville and later becoming a star guard for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was selected as a first-round pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 NBA draft and went on to play 16 seasons in the league. Rondo achieved great success, winning championships in 2008 with the Boston Celtics and in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The arrest of Rajon Rondo is a notable development in the ongoing legal issues surrounding the former NBA player. As the case proceeds, more details will likely emerge about the circumstances leading to his arrest and the potential consequences he may face.
