10 NBA Players who went to Jail
This list highlights 10 NBA players who faced legal troubles while describing the incidents. It further gives details of jail time and impact on their careers.
- Rajat Srivastava
- 4 min read
This list looks at 10 NBA players who ended up in jail at some point of time in their lives. It explains what happened, how long they served and how it affected their basketball careers. From on-court stars to off-court controversies, these stories show how personal choices and mistakes can change even the brightest sporting journeys in unexpected and sometimes tragic ways.
10. Isaiah Rider
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Often remembered for his talent and athleticism, Rider was also known for frequent issues with the legal authorities. His offenses ranged from drug possession to assault, leading to multiple short jail stints. Despite Isaiah’s scoring ability and showmanship, legal issues and attitude problems hampered his career. Rider’s case remains a classic example of talent affected by poor decisions and off-court troubles.
9. Keon Clark
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A gifted forward during his NBA years, Keon Clark battled substance abuse and legal problems. After retiring, he was sentenced to over a year in prison on weapons and driving under the influence charges. Clark later accepted that he never played a game sober during his career. A harsh confession that clearly showed that how personal issues can impact even the most promising professional athletes.
8. Latrell Sprewell
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Sprewell, known for his fierce competitiveness, spent a night in jail for reckless driving after police said he was speeding through traffic. This was one of the many off-court controversies, including his infamous suspension for choking his coach. While a talented scorer, Sprewell’s legal and behavioral issues often overshadowed his achievements, stopping him from fully cementing his NBA legacy.
7. Zach Randolph
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A star forward in his prime, Randolph was known for his grit and rebounding skills. He had a respectful life but faced legal troubles post the prime of his career. In 2017, he was arrested on felony charges after a public disturbance in Los Angeles, serving brief jail time before charges were reduced. The incident was a blemish on an otherwise strong career, but he remained an iconic figure in Memphis.
6. Ruben Patterson
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Popularly Nicknamed as the “Kobe Stopper” for his defensive efforts against Kobe Bryant, Patterson’s career was filled with off-court misconduct. In 2001, he was convicted of sexual assault and served jail time along with probation. While he continued to play in the NBA, the incident damaged his reputation and overshadowed his playing career.
5. Charles Barkley
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Barkley, the legendary NBA forward and a popular TV analyst, found himself in legal trouble in 2008. He was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, for driving under the influence. He later admitted, with his usual humor, that he was hurrying to meet a woman. The incident resulted in a short jail time, fines and plenty of media attention, but Barkley handled it really well.
4. Delonte West
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A skilled guard for teams like the Cavaliers and Celtics, West’s career was derailed by personal issues. In 2009, he was arrested for carrying multiple firearms while riding a motorcycle, leading to legal trouble and suspensions. As the time passed, his mental health and financial issues worsened, resulting in more arrests. Delonte’s story shows that how off-court challenges can overshadow a talented player.
3. Chris Andersen
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Andersen, who was popularly called the “Birdman” for his high flying dunks and colorful tattoos, overcame a troubled youth. His troubles included a short stint in jail for burglary and theft. He later became an NBA legend, winning a championship with the Miami Heat. His journey from jail to an NBA champion showed how determination and second chances can help turn a life around.
2. Javaris Crittenton
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Crittenton was a promising guard for the Washington Wizards. But his career ended in tragedy. In 2015, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. It related to the 2011 shooting death of a woman. His story is prime example of wasted talent coupled with poor decision making. And a terrible fall from being a professional sportsperson to a life behind the bars.
1. Allen Iverson
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Before becoming an NBA legend, Iverson faced many legal issues as a teenager. He also served four months in jail for a fight in a bowling alley. The conviction was later overturned due to lack of evidence, but the incident almost ended his basketball career before it began. Iverson’s eventual rise to become an NBA superstar showed remarkable will power, but his early legal troubles impacted his personality.