2001 Slam Dunk Champion and Former Sonic Desmond Mason Arrested on Felony Charges

Desmond Mason, who won the NBA Slam Dunk contest in 2001 and got his start with the Seattle SuperSonics, is now facing serious legal trouble. The 48-year-old was arrested on a felony warrant and taken into custody in Bricktown, Oklahoma. Authorities transported him to a hospital to address a medical issue before he was booked into jail.

The Charges and What Led Here

According to the Melissa Police Department in Collin County, Texas, a couple filed a report in January after they had commissioned Mason in March 2025 to frame a piece of sports memorabilia. The couple paid Mason a total of $9,822.86 for the job. Mason sent them a photograph of the completed framing in April 2025 and promised to deliver the final product, but then stopped communicating with them for several months. The sports memorabilia and authentication documents were valued at around $40,000. Police had been searching for Mason since February.

Mason's NBA Journey

The 17th overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft out of Oklahoma State, Mason got his first shot in the league with the SuperSonics. Over his career, he also played for the Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Sacramento Kings. His signature moment came when he won the 2001 Slam Dunk contest, cementing himself as one of the memorable athletes from that era.

Still Behind Bars

As of Monday, Mason remained in jail on the charge of "flight to avoid," which is used for individuals who crossed state borders to evade prosecution. The case marks a dramatic fall for a player who once electrified NBA fans with his athleticism and creativity on the court.

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