2001 Slam Dunk Champion Arrested on Felony Warrant: The Seattle SuperSonics' Draft Pick Now Facing "Flight to Avoid" Charges
Desmond Mason, the 2001 NBA Slam Dunk contest champion who got his start with the Seattle SuperSonics, is in custody on serious felony charges. Police arrested the 48-year-old in Bricktown, Oklahoma after he was wanted on a warrant for flight to avoid prosecution. Before heading to jail, authorities transported him to a hospital to address a medical issue.
From Draft Pick to Fugitive
Mason was selected 17th overall in the 2000 NBA draft out of Oklahoma State by the SuperSonics, marking the beginning of a long professional career that took him through Milwaukee, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and Sacramento. But that resume now comes with a criminal investigation.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiAccording to the Melissa Police Department in Collin County, Texas, a couple filed a report in January claiming they hired Mason back in March 2025 to frame a piece of sports memorabilia. The department says Mason was paid a total of $9,822.86 for the job.
Mason sent the couple a photograph of the completed framing in April 2025 and promised to deliver the finished product. Then he ghosted them for several months, according to authorities. The sports memorabilia and associated authentication documents were valued at around $40,000. Police had been searching for him since February.
Now Behind Bars
News 9 reported that Mason remained in jail on Monday under the charge of "flight to avoid," which applies when someone crosses borders to dodge prosecution. It's a serious legal situation for someone who once thrilled NBA fans with his athleticism on the dunk contest stage.
From being drafted by a Seattle franchise to facing felony charges in Oklahoma, Mason's post-basketball life has taken a dark turn. The details paint a picture of a business deal gone wrong and a fugitive status that finally caught up with him.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.