Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was released from jail in Houston after being arrested for unlawfully carrying a weapon. The incident occurred early Saturday morning when a police officer noticed an unconcealed handgun in the cup holder of Harden’s Mercedes. Harden, 36, was traveling through downtown Houston when he was stopped, and he confirmed the gun was his. He was arrested and booked at Harris County Jail but later released on a $100 bond, with a court date set for 22 June. The Cavaliers acknowledged the arrest and are gathering more information, maintaining contact with Harden and his representatives. Harden, a six-time first-team All-NBA selection and the 2017-18 MVP, joined the Cavaliers in February from the Los Angeles Clippers. This season, he averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 26 starts. Harden has played for several teams since being drafted in 2009, including the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets.
QUESTION: How might incidents like this impact the public perception of professional athletes and their responsibilities as role models?
Cleveland’s Harden arrested on gun charge
