JACKSON COUNTY, Ind. — Louisville native and former NBA star Rajon Rondo pleaded guilty to gun charges on Tuesday stemming from a traffic stop in southern Indiana, according to court documents.
Indiana State Police arrested Rondo in Jackson County in January after he was reportedly driving recklessly on I-65 South with a minor inside the car.
Rondo was charged with unlawful carrying of a handgun, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The two drug charges were dismissed, but he pleaded guilty to the gun charge Tuesday, according to court documents.
He avoided prison time and was ordered to pay $189 of court costs. Rondo was given two days credit for time served.
Rondo will also be on probation for six months.
Background:
According to court documents, back in January, someone called to report a black 2022 Tesla traveling recklessly and driving in excess of 100 mph on I-65 South in Bartholomew County.
An Indiana State Police trooper spotted the vehicle - which was tinted and without a license plate, but not speeding - and performed a traffic stop as he crossed into Jackson County.
The trooper said while searching the car, he smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. The trooper also found suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia, as well as a loaded pistol.
Police said Rondo was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a protection order filed against him in August 2023. According to police, when asked if was allowed to carry a gun, Rondo said he was not.
Rondo was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail where he paid an undisclosed bond and was released. Rondo's son was in the vehicle during the incident and was released to a family member.
Rondo played 16 seasons in the NBA, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2021-22 season.
He was born in Louisville and played three years at Eastern High School before transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Rondo then played three seasons at Kentucky and was drafted with the 21st pick in the first round in 2006.
Rondo was a four-time NBA all star. He ranks 14th all-time with 7,584 assists.
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