The NBA is filled with stories of incredible athleticism, inspiring personal journeys, and championship triumphs. However, behind the glitz and glamor, some players have also found themselves embroiled in criminal trials that captivated the public. In this article, we delve into the top 10 most notorious criminal cases involving NBA athletes, detailing the crimes, trials, and verdicts that made headlines across the sports world.
1. Gilbert Arenas – Gun Possession in the Locker Room (2009)
Summary: Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas was involved in a bizarre locker room standoff involving firearms with teammate Javaris Crittenton. The dispute reportedly stemmed from a gambling debt. Arenas brought unloaded guns into the locker room, violating both league rules and federal laws.
Outcome: Arenas pleaded guilty to felony gun possession.
Sentence: He was sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house, two years of probation, and 400 hours of community service.
2. Kobe Bryant – Sexual Assault Charges (2003)
Summary: In one of the most publicized legal battles in NBA history, Kobe Bryant was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old hotel employee in Colorado. Bryant admitted to adultery but maintained the encounter was consensual. The case was eventually dropped when the accuser refused to testify.
Outcome: The criminal case was dismissed. Bryant later settled a civil lawsuit with the accuser for an undisclosed amount.
Verdict: No criminal conviction.
3. Javaris Crittenton – Murder Charges (2011)
Summary: Former Wizards player Javaris Crittenton was charged with the murder of Julian Jones, a mother of four who was caught in a drive-by shooting. Authorities alleged the shooting was gang-related and meant for a rival.
Outcome: Crittenton pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Sentence: He was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2015.
4. Derrick Coleman – Driving While Intoxicated (2001)
Summary: Derrick Coleman, the former NBA player, was arrested in 2002 in Farmington Hills, Michigan, for a DUI, which was later revealed to be over the legal limit. He was driving 120 mph in a 70 mph zone when he was pulled over. Coleman refused a breathalyzer test, and a blood alcohol level of 0.13 percent was later detected.
Outcome: He pleaded no contest to the charge.
Sentence: He was sentenced to community service and probation.
5. Jason Kidd – Domestic Violence (2001)
Summary: While playing for the Phoenix Suns, Jason Kidd was arrested for domestic abuse after hitting his then-wife, Joumana Kidd, during an argument. He acknowledged the incident and later underwent anger management counseling.
Outcome: Kidd pleaded guilty to spousal abuse.
Sentence: He was sentenced to six months of anger management counseling but avoided jail time.
6. J.R. Smith – Reckless Driving Resulting in Death (2007)
Summary: J.R. Smith, then with the Denver Nuggets, was involved in a fatal car crash in New Jersey that killed his friend, Andre Bell. Smith ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. Authorities found no drugs or alcohol in his system.
Outcome: Smith pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Sentence: He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, but served 24 days before being released for good behavior.
7. Allen Iverson – Bowling Alley Brawl (1993)
Summary: Before his NBA debut, Iverson was involved in a fight at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia, which was racially charged and resulted in multiple arrests. Iverson, just 17 at the time, was accused of throwing a chair that injured a woman.
Outcome: Iverson was convicted of maiming by mob and sentenced to 15 years in prison, with 10 years suspended.
Sentence: He served 4 months before being granted clemency by Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder.
8. Ruben Patterson – Attempted Rape (2001)
Summary: Nicknamed the “Kobe Stopper” during his playing days, Patterson was convicted of attempting to rape the family’s nanny in his home. The victim testified that he exposed himself and forcibly tried to have sex with her.
Outcome: Patterson pleaded guilty to attempted rape.
Sentence: He served 15 days in jail and was registered as a sex offender.
9. Markieff Morris – Aggravated Assault (2015)
Summary: Alongside his twin brother Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris was charged with felony aggravated assault after allegedly participating in the beating of a man outside a Phoenix recreation center. The victim claimed the attack was premeditated.
Outcome: Both brothers were tried but eventually found not guilty due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Verdict: Not Guilty
10. Lamar Odom – Drug Charges & DUI (2013)
Summary: Former Lakers star Lamar Odom struggled with addiction throughout his career. In 2013, he was arrested for DUI in California and later checked into rehab. Although not convicted of a violent crime, his arrest brought attention to substance abuse issues within the league.
Outcome: Odom pleaded no contest to DUI charges.
Sentence: He was sentenced to three years probation and was required to complete a three-month alcohol education program.
Final Thoughts
While the NBA is home to countless inspirational stories, these cases serve as a stark reminder that professional athletes are not immune to legal troubles. Each case presented here sparked national debates on celebrity justice, rehabilitation, and personal accountability. While some players recovered their public image and careers, others were permanently sidelined by their legal woes.
Legal proceedings involving athletes are often complicated by fame, media scrutiny, and the high stakes involved. Whether these trials resulted in jail time or acquittals, they remain etched in the memory of fans and critics alike as defining—and sometimes tragic—moments in NBA history.
