Rondo arrested on misdemeanor gun, drug charges
Indiana State Police arrested two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo on Sunday in southern Indiana on misdemeanor gun and drug charges, police said.
The 37-year-old former guard was initially stopped for a traffic violation in Jackson County, police said in a news release. An investigation began Sunday afternoon after a caller said a black 2022 Tesla was traveling recklessly on I-65 South between Indianapolis and Louisville, the release added.
A state trooper smelled marijuana coming from the car and an ensuing search found a firearm, drug paraphernalia and suspected marijuana, according to the release. The four-time All-Star was taken to the Jackson County Jail, where he immediately posted bond and was released. A juvenile in Rondo’s vehicle at the time was released to a family member. Rondo’s initial court hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 27 in Jackson County Superior Court.
Rondo was prohibited from carrying a firearm because of a non-contact court order that was issued in August. It was the second protective order issued against him.
DEVILS’ MCLEOD CHARGED WITH SEX ASSAULT
The Devils’ Michael McLeod has been charged in connection with an investigation into an alleged sexual assault by several members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team, his lawyers said Tuesday.
McLeod has been charged with sexual assault by police in London, Ontario, attorneys David Humphrey and Seth Weinstein said.
“Mr. McLeod denies any criminal wrongdoing,” they said in a statement. “He will be pleading not guilty and will vigorously defend the case.”
The development comes two days after former NHL player Alex Formenton turned himself into police to face charges, according to one of his lawyers.
Five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior team have taken a leave of absence from their current clubs after a report emerged that five players from that team have been asked to surrender to police on sexual assault charges.
HUGHES SITS OUT SKILLS
Jack Hughes will not participate in the skills competition or 3-on-3 tournament at the upcoming NHL All-Star Weekend because of injury.
Devils teammate Jesper Bratt was added to the All-Star roster Wednesday as a last-minute replacement for Hughes. Mathew Barzal of the Islanders will replace Hughes as one of the 12 players doing the skills competition Friday.
The league announced the switch Wednesday, following executive Steve Mayer saying earlier in the week officials would wait until the “last possible second” to see if Hughes could play.
Hughes is still expected to be in Toronto, co-captaining one of the All-Star teams for the 3-on-3 tournament Saturday with brother Quinn of the Canucks. Elias Pettersson, a teammate of Quinn’s in Vancouver, was added to Team Hughes to even out the rosters.
This was the contingency plan the NHL had in place, since Mayer said on a video call with reporters Tuesday that Hughes was still being evaluated and was very much still welcome at the festivities.