Veteran American basketball player James Harden, former NBA MVP, was arrested this Saturday (13) in Houston, Texas, for illegal possession of a weapon, after being stopped in a traffic stop in which the police found a pistol in his vehicle.
According to Harris County police, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Harden was arrested at 3:41 a.m. local time. The player recognized ownership of the weapon, which was not in a holster, was arrested and released on a US$100 bond (R$508 at the current exchange rate).
Harden, 37, is scheduled to appear in court on June 22. The conditions of his bail prohibit him from being in possession of a firearm, ammunition or other similar devices.
In a statement, the Cleveland Cavaliers confirmed that they were aware of the player’s arrest and said they were gathering more information.
“We are in contact with James and his representatives and will continue to monitor developments,” the franchise said. “For now, we will have no further comment.”
Harden was signed in the February transfer market. In the last playoffs, he averaged 19.2 points and 5.5 assists per game, helping the Cavs reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were swept by the New York Knicks.
Third pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden shone during his time with the Houston Rockets, where he won the MVP award in 2018.
The 11-time All-Star also played for the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers.
