2001 Slam Dunk Champion Desmond Mason Arrested on Felony Warrant, Hospitalized Before Jail

Desmond Mason, the NBA's 2001 Slam Dunk contest champion, is in custody after authorities arrested him on a felony warrant. The 48-year-old former player, who once suited up for the Seattle SuperSonics as the No. 17 pick in the 2000 NBA draft, was picked up in Bricktown, Oklahoma. He was taken to the hospital for a medical issue before being booked into jail.

From the Sonics to a Felony Charge

Mason got his NBA start with the SuperSonics out of Oklahoma State, and he went on to have a solid career across multiple teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Sacramento Kings. But the veteran is now facing serious legal trouble. According to News 9, he remains in custody on the charge of "flight to avoid," which applies when someone crosses borders to dodge prosecution.

Police had been searching for Mason since February. The arrest came after months of investigation into a sports memorabilia framing job gone wrong.

The $40,000 Disappearing Act

Here's what went down, according to the Melissa Police Department in Collin County, Texas. A couple filed a police report in January after commissioning Mason in March 2025 to frame a piece of sports memorabilia. They paid him $9,822.86 for the work.

In April 2025, Mason sent them a photograph showing the completed framing job and promised delivery of the final product. Then he ghosted them. For several months, there was nothing. The sports memorabilia and authentication documents that were supposed to be framed were valued at around $40,000. Mason never delivered.

The felony warrant followed, and now Mason is facing the consequences of that disappearing act. It's a stark fall from his days as one of the league's most explosive dunkers.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.