Why was Kam Jones arrested? Indiana Pacers rookie’s promising start shaken by a twist before season opener

According to police records, Kam Jones, a rookie for the Indiana Pacers, was recently arrested for allegedly speeding on his way to practice. As per the Marion County arrest documents, Jones is charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and felony resisting law enforcement.

He was scheduled for a re-evaluation next month after missing the entire Indiana Pacers' preseason due to a back issue.

Indiana Pacers rookie Kam Jones’ promising debut got overshadowed by a shocking turn before the season starts

Just one day before the 2025–26 NBA season officially begins, Kam Jones, a rookie guard for the Indiana Pacers, was taken into custody in Indianapolis on Monday after allegedly leading authorities on a highway chase. Authorities have claimed that at approximately 9:50 a.m. Eastern Time, a state trooper allegedly tried to pull over Jones on Interstate 65 for "erratic driving."

Rather than complying, he allegedly drove away, starting a short pursuit that ended close to the Fletcher Avenue exit, where he was captured by the cops. Meanwhile, the court document read;"Mr. Jones stated that he did not know he was speeding and was running late for practice for the Indiana Pacers.. He stated that he saw [the trooper's] turn signal and did not know that [the trooper] was attempting to pull over his vehicle."

As of Monday afternoon, Jones' bond for release has not been set, and his hearing is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, at 9 a.m. According to Fox 59, the Pacers acknowledged the incident in a brief statement but refrained from commenting further until they had more details. Meanwhile, the Pacers issued a statement after the arrest: "We are aware of the situation concerning Kam Jones. We won't have any more comments on the subject at this time as we are still gathering more information. Prior to the start of the season, the team did not state if disciplinary action will be taken…”Additionally, soon after the selection, their president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard praised his leadership and work ethic and told Forbes:“Tough kid. Loves the gym, lives for the gym.. He’s hyper-positive and has that ‘it factor’ that makes him a Pacer.”Furthermore, ISP Sgt. John Perrine said:“I certainly know that there was a fully marked Indiana State Police car with red and blue lights on behind him and sirens to try to pull him over and he didn’t stop.”Although specific allegations against Jones have not yet been made public, police sources said that charges including reckless driving and law-abiding behavior are expected. According to legal experts, depending on the seriousness of the charges and whether this was a first offence, they may result in probation, heavy fines, or even a brief jail term if proven.

Rising Indiana Pacers rookie faces unexpected turbulence before his NBA journey takes flight

Kim Jones is being charged with resisting police and driving recklessly. Formal charges had not yet been filed by the Marion County Prosecutor's Office at the time of publishing. Jones signed a four-year contract worth $8.6 million with the Pacers. The contract is partially guaranteed in Year 2, non-guaranteed in Year 3, and includes a team option in Year 4.

However, Jones will now wait for his hearing and the settlement of his two allegations. He was originally anticipated to miss the start of the season due to a back issue. He was regarded as a versatile scoring guard with great playmaking skills. He also made the All-American Second Team and the All-Big East First Team his senior year, averaging 19.2 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game.Also read: What did Shawn Kemp do? Former NBA star sentenced to 30 days of house arrest for past crime