Category Archives: S
Strickland, Rod
Charge: Driving under the influence and disorderly conduct
Arrest Date: September 2, 1997
Franchise: Washington Wizards
Age 31
Details: Police said Strickland was stopped early Wednesday after making an illegal left turn in downtown Washington and became a “little disorderly.” He is also charged with failing to show his driver’s license. Strickland refused a sobriety test. This was the third of six arrests during Strickland’s pro career, and the first of three arrests for driving under the influence.
Strickland, Rod
Charge: Assault, menacing, and harrassment
Arrest Date: November 6, 1995
Franchise: Portland Trailblazers
Age 29
Details: Strickland allegedly had an argument with a woman at which point he punched her in the face, giving her a black eye. Strickland and the victim have a young child together. This was the second of six career arrests for Strickland.
Sprewell, Latrell
Charge: Driving with a suspended license, threatening an officer, and exhibition of speed
Arrest Date: September 3, 1995
Franchise: Golden State Warriors
Age 24
Strickland, Rod
Charge: Battery
Arrest Date: March 4, 1994
Franchise: Portland Trailblazers
Age 27
Details: The first of NBA Crime legend Rod Strickland’s six arrests during his illustrious career. Strickland, while out with fellow repeat offender Cliff Robinson, received battery charges in Chicago after getting in a shoving match with a truck driver following a minor traffic accident.
Salley, John
Charge: Writing bad checks
Arrest Date: January 30, 1993
Franchise: Miami Heat
Age 28
Details: Salley was arrested for writing a bad check during All-Star weekend after he bought $3000 worth of merchandise but then later cancelled the check. Salley blamed it on a misunderstanding after his checkbook was misplaced or stolen.
Smith, Charles
Charge: Vehicular homicide and driving under the influence
Arrest Date: March 22, 1991
Franchise: Boston Celtics
Age 23
Details: Celtics reserve guard Charles Smith was arrested for drunkenly mowing down two Boston University students in the middle of campus with his van, and fleeing onto the interstate. He was convicted a year later, ending his NBA career. He bounced around the CBA for another decade, most recently making news after being shot while in possession of cocaine in 2010.
Shackleford, Charles
Charge: Marijuana possession
Arrest Date: March 1, 1990
Franchise: New Jersey Nets
Age 23
Details: Shackleford was found in his car with a small amount of marijuana after police were informed by an informant. At the time he was already under investigation for a point-shaving scandal from several years earlier while he attended North Carolina State.
Simpson, Ralph
Charge: Assault, burglary, and criminal mischief
Arrest Date: July 30, 1980
Franchise: New Jersey Nets
Age 30
Sojourner, Mike
Charge: Car theft
Arrest Date: October 18, 1977
Franchise: Atlanta Hawks
Age 24
Details: While riding in a taxi, Sojourner began to act erratically, scaring the cab driver to the point that he pulled over and fled the vehicle. Sojourner then drove off in the taxi and was later arrested. He was eventually hospitalized by choice for ‘psychiatric problems.’
NBA Crime Library 