James Harden’s Misdemeanor Gun Charge Dropped After Alternative Program
James Harden, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ star guard, has successfully avoided a criminal record in Texas after completing a court-approved resolution program. This program, often involving community service, allowed for the dismissal of a misdemeanor gun charge against him, according to court documents.
On Thursday, Harris County Criminal Court Judge Alex Salgado officially dismissed the charge at the Harris County district attorney’s office’s request. Harden was arrested on June 13 in Houston when police discovered a handgun in his vehicle, which was in plain sight. Under Texas law, having a gun visible in a vehicle without a license is a misdemeanor, with penalties reaching up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Attempts to reach the district attorney’s office and Harden’s attorney in Houston for comments were unsuccessful. Similarly, the Cavaliers have not responded to requests for comments.
The 36-year-old NBA player concluded his 17th season in May, as the Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. Harden played in 70 of the 82 regular-season games, recording an average of 23.6 points per game.
Harden has expressed interest in staying with the Cavaliers, yet he opted out of a $42.3 million contract option for the upcoming season, aiming for a longer-term deal. Negotiations continue as no agreement has been reached.
With an impressive career, Harden is an 11-time All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA selection. He claimed the MVP title during the 2017-18 season with the Houston Rockets, scoring an average of 30.4 points per game. That season, the Rockets advanced to the Western Conference finals, eventually losing to the Golden State Warriors.
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This story has been corrected to reflect that the Rockets reached the Western Conference finals in the 2017-18 season, not the Eastern Conference.
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