Charges Dropped Against Former NBA Player

Introduction to the Case

STAMFORD, Conn. — Multiple criminal charges were dropped Monday against former Bulls guard Ben Gordon, who was arrested in 2023 after authorities say he began behaving erratically in a Connecticut juice shop.

Background on the Arrest

Gordon, who also helped lead the University of Connecticut to the NCAA national championship in 2004, completed a probation program approved last year by a state judge. The weapons and threatening charges the basketball star had faced will now be erased from his record.

Lawyer’s Statement

His lawyer, Darnell Crosland, said Gordon has been dedicated to making progress with his mental health issues since the arrest. Crosland credited the former player with teaching him about how to balance daily stresses of life. “Mental health is really important and the court saw his commitment to doing the right thing in life and that is why they sealed his record and dismissed all of his charges,” he said in a statement. “I am blessed to have been his lawyer.”

Details of the Arrest

Gordon was arrested at a Stamford juice shop on his 40th birthday, just hours after UConn won its fifth NCAA men’s basketball championship. Police said several 911 callers reported that Gordon was acting aggressively and bizarrely, and he continued to act erratically when officers arrived. Police forced him to the ground and handcuffed him outside the store.

Gordon’s Mental Health

Gordon has talked and written about his bipolar disorder and depression, which he said have played roles in several arrests over the years.

Career Overview

The third overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft by the Bulls, Gordon played 11 seasons in the league. As a rookie for the Bulls, he won the NBA’s Sixth Man Award. After five seasons in Chicago, he went on to play for Detroit, Charlotte and Orlando.

Conclusion

The dismissal of charges against Ben Gordon highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and the benefits of seeking help. Gordon’s commitment to his mental health and his successful completion of a probation program demonstrate that with the right support, individuals can overcome their challenges and move forward in a positive direction.

FAQs

• Q: What were the charges against Ben Gordon?
  • A: Gordon faced weapons and threatening charges.
• Q: Why were the charges dropped?
  • A: The charges were dropped after Gordon completed a probation program and demonstrated his commitment to addressing his mental health issues.
• Q: What has Gordon spoken publicly about?
  • A: Gordon has spoken about his bipolar disorder and depression, and how these conditions have affected his life and led to several arrests.
• Q: What was Gordon’s achievement in the 2004 NBA draft?
  • A: Gordon was the third overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft by the Bulls.
• Q: What award did Gordon win as a rookie?
  • A: Gordon won the NBA’s Sixth Man Award as a rookie for the Bulls.