2001 Slam Dunk Champion Desmond Mason Arrested on Felony Charges After Months on the Run

Desmond Mason, the NBA player who won the 2001 Slam Dunk contest, got arrested this week on a felony warrant. The 48-year-old was picked up in Bricktown, Oklahoma after police had been searching for him since February. Before heading to jail, authorities took him to the hospital for a medical issue. He's now being held on charges related to "flight to avoid," a charge used when someone crosses borders to dodge prosecution.

From NBA Pioneer to Legal Trouble

Mason's connection to Seattle runs deep. The Seattle SuperSonics drafted him with the No. 17 pick in the 2000 NBA draft out of Oklahoma State, giving him his first shot in the league. Over his career, he also played for Milwaukee, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and Sacramento. But that glory feels like a lifetime ago now.

The arrest stems from a memorabilia framing scheme. According to the Melissa Police Department in Collin County, Texas, a couple filed a report in January claiming they hired Mason in March 2025 to frame a piece of sports memorabilia. They paid him $9,822.86 for the job. Mason sent them a photograph of the completed work in April 2025 and promised delivery, but then stopped communicating with them. The sports memorabilia and authentication documents were valued at around $40,000. Police had been looking for Mason since February.

Behind Bars Now

As of Monday, Mason remained in jail on the flight to avoid charge. The arrest caps off a stunning fall for someone who once thrilled NBA crowds with his athleticism and dunking ability. What started as a promise to frame memorabilia turned into months of silence and a manhunt that ended in Oklahoma.

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