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Newly released police bodycam footage shows the officers in Jackson County, Indiana knew exactly who they were arresting when they charged Rajon Rondo with gun and drug offenses.
The four-time NBA All-Star was arrested on charges of possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of a firearm back in January after a relatively routine traffic stop.
Rajon Rondo was initially pulled over for a traffic violation – not having a license plate on the back of his Tesla – when the police officer said he smelled marijuana coming from inside the car. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a gun.
He eventually would plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of unlawful carrying of a handgun in exchange for prosecutors dropping the two other charges. Rondo was sentenced to 180 days in jail, but the judge suspended his sentence, putting him on probation instead.
In the police bodycam video, after gathering Rajon Rondo’s license and registration, one of the officers can be heard telling the other, “He’s a former basketball player. He played for a bunch of NBA teams.”
The cop knows his ball. Rondo played for the Celtics, Mavericks, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, Lakers, Hawks, Clippers and Cavaliers during his 16-year NBA career.
“Not that I care, I’m just telling you,” the officer then added.
Upon returning to Rondo’s car, one of the cops actually came right out and asked, “You played in the NBA, didn’t you, buddy?”
Rajon Rondo was no stranger to trouble during NBA career and the years that followed.
He infamously caused a giant brawl in a game against the Rockets in 2018 when he spit on Chris Paul.
In 2020, Rondo and his then girlfriend were sued for $1 million after she punched a woman in the face over a parking space.
Rondo’s longtime girlfriend Ashley Bachelor then accused him of threatening to kill her in front of their children in 2022.