Rajon Rondo Avoids Jail Sentence After Pleading Guilty to Gun Possession Charge

Former NBA Star Rajon Rondo Avoids Jail Sentence After Pleading Guilty to Gun Possession Charge

Former NBA star Rajon Rondo avoided a jail sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor gun possession charge in Jackson County, Indiana. As part of a plea deal, Rondo admitted to unlawful carrying of a handgun, while two other charges—marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia—were dismissed.

Rondo was placed on probation for 180 days and ordered to pay all associated costs.

The four-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion was arrested in January after police received a report of a black 2022 Tesla driving recklessly on I-65 South between Indianapolis and Louisville. A state trooper, upon stopping the vehicle, smelled marijuana. A subsequent search uncovered a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and suspected marijuana. A juvenile who was in the car with Rondo was released to a family member.

Rondo, who announced his retirement in April after a 16-season NBA career, played for nine teams and had career averages of 9.8 points, 7.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.