Desmond Mason, the longtime NBA veteran and 2001 Slam Dunk Contest champion, has been arrested.
Mason, 48, was a first round pick out of Oklahoma State in 2000. He was the No. 17 overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics. Mason played in the league from 2000 until 2009, spending time in Seattle, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Oklahoma City and Sacramento.
The Texas native has been arrested in Oklahoma. Mason was arrested in Oklahoma City on a felony warrant.
Mason was picked up in Bricktown, Oklahoma, before being transported to a local hospital for a medical issue. He was then booked into jail.
Jan 19, 2005; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Desmond Mason (24) in action against the New Jersey Nets at Continental Airlines Arena. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK © Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images
Mason is reportedly still being held in jail as of Monday, on the basis of "flight to avoid," which is used for someone crossing borders to dodge prosecution, News 9 reports.
Details emerge from Mason's arrest
Mason was arrested on a felony warrant for theft of property.
"According to the Melissa Police Department in Collin County, Texas, a couple filed a police report with MPD in January, claiming they commissioned Desmond Mason in March 2025 to frame a piece of sports memorabilia. MPD says Mason was paid a total of $9,822.86," 9 News reported.
"Investigators say Mason sent the couple a photograph of the completed sports memorabilia framing in April 2025 and promised to deliver the final product, but then ceased communication with the couple for several months. The sports memorabilia and associated authentication documents were valued at around $40,000."
A warrant for his arrest has been issued in February.
Mason finished his NBA career with career averages of 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
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