21 Most Notorious Lawbreakers In NBA History

Ron Artest

Of course, it wouldn’t be a list of the NBA’s most notorious criminals if it didn’t include the infamous Artest. The Future Metta World Peace was, of course, convicted for his violent role in the historic Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons brawl in 2004. The fight is understandably considered the craziest brawl in NBA history. He was put on probation for the incident.

A perhaps less focused on charge is also on Artest’s record, however. He was charged with domestic violence when he played for Sacramento three years later. He was required to commit a work release program, pay a fine, undergo counseling, and serve 100 hours of community service.

But he’ll also be most remembered for the insane Pacers vs. Pistons brawl, where he was seen fighting fans on video.

Ben Wallace

Wallace had a prominent spot on our list of the greatest sports upsets of all-time, but, unfortunately, he’s also on the list of the NBA’s most notorious criminals as well. Like many other players on this list, Wallace found himself in trouble with the law during the NBA lockout of 2011. He was pulled over for drunken driving. The police also found a concealed weapon on the inebriated Wallace.

Like most who get a DUI, he was put on probation, paid a fine, and had to complete community service. The punishment was relatively calm compared to some of the disgusting crimes described on this list.

Jason Richardson

Jason Richardson was known for his high-flying tenure with the Golden State Warriors before they became the title-contending juggernaut version of the team that NBA fans see today. Perhaps his best claim to fame was his Slam Dunk Contest wins during the All-Star break.

But he was also arrested on some horrific charges. Roshonda Jacqmain, the mother of Richardson’s child, claimed that Richardson used her head to put a hole in an apartment wall. He was convicted of the crime by a jury after they laughed at his self-defense claim. It was yet another crime involving some sickening instances of domestic violence and NBA players.

Jason Kidd

Kidd had a great college and NBA career as a point guard, but his arrest history is also so extensive that it comes in two parts. First, Kidd was arrested on domestic violence charges back in 2001. The punishment was relatively minor, as he was required to attend anger management and paid a small fine. He later claimed his wife was the one attacking him when they got divorced years later.

He got into even more trouble in his 2012 car accident involving mass amounts of alcohol. Kidd was seen imbibing many adult beverages at a New York club before stumbling to his vehicle. He later wrapped it around a pole. He then refused a sobriety test. The accident was viewed as quite the horrific one. Despite its gruesome nature, Kidd somehow walked away unscathed, with the only damage being done to his reputation – and his SUV.

Jayson Williams

Just like there’s no other upset but ‘The Miracle of Ice’ that could top the list of sports’ greatest upsets, there’s just no other NBA criminal who could top this list other than Jayson Williams.

Williams became embroiled in a bizarre, violent controversy when limousine driver Gus Christofi perished at his mansion in New Jersey, where he played for the Nets. It was later found that Williams attempted to cover up evidence of the killing in order to potentially stay out of trouble. He was arrested on, aggravated assault, concealing a shooting, and aggravated manslaughter charges.

The latter charge was dropped, but Williams was indeed convicted of four counts of the prior charges. He admitted to his disgusting cover-up. Like few on this list, Williams actually served jail time for this horrendous crime. He was jailed for 18 months. For what it’s worth, Williams fessed up to his selfish, disgusting transgression. But the fact he did it in the first place makes him by far the most notorious criminal on this list of NBA criminals.