Rajon Rondo's arrest update: Latest on his gun case, jail time & more

Two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo has pleaded guilty to a gun charge related to a January arrest. The former NBA point guard was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after being pulled over for a traffic violation, during which marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a 9mm handgun were found in his possession.

According to WLKY in Indiana, Rondo appeared in the Jackson County courthouse on Tuesday for a change of plea. He had initially pled not guilty in January to charges of marijuana possession, paraphernalia possession and unlawful carrying of a handgun, and changed his plea to guilty on the handgun possession charge.

Rondo was scheduled for trial last month but reached a plea agreement beforehand. As part of the plea deal, the drug charges were dropped.

Originally sentenced to 180 days in jail, Rondo’s sentence was suspended, and he will instead serve 180 days on probation. He had already spent two days in jail.

During his probation, Rondo must abstain from drug and alcohol use.

Rondo has been prohibited from carrying a firearm due to the second of two emergency protective orders filed against him in 2022 and 2023.

Before the first order was dismissed in 2022, he completed an anger management course, counseling and a mental health evaluation. The 2023 case was resolved with an agreed order.

More details of Rajon Rondo's arrest in January

According to Indiana State Police, Rajon Rondo was stopped by troopers for a traffic violation in Jackson County after a caller reported a black 2022 Tesla driving recklessly on I-65 South between Indianapolis and Louisville.

When stopped, a state trooper detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle, leading to a search. Recreational drugs are illegal in Indiana.

During the search, the trooper discovered a firearm, which Rondo was prohibited from carrying due to a protective order, as well as marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to state police.

He was taken to Jackson County Jail, where he immediately posted bond and was released.

Rajon Rondo played two seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats before entering the NBA, where he had a 16-year career. He averaged 9.8 points, 7.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game.

He was a four-time All-Star and played key roles in the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship and the LA Lakers’ 2020 title win. Rondo is the only player in NBA history to win championships with both the Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers.

He last played in the NBA in the 2021-22 season for the Cleveland Cavaliers.