Desmond Mason, a former NBA player, was taken into custody in Oklahoma on Wednesday, as per the records of the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Mason, who won the 2001 Slam Dunk Contest, was incarcerated due to a contempt of court charge related to his divorce proceedings with his former spouse, Andrea Mason. The charge was reportedly due to Mason’s failure to appear for a court hearing. He was later released from the Oklahoma County Detention Center on Wednesday night after posting a $50,000 bond.
Mason, 47, had a decade-long career in the NBA from 2000 to 2009. He played for several teams including the Supersonics, Bucks, Hornets, Thunder, and Kings. Throughout his career, Mason averaged 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He was the 17th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft, selected by the Seattle Supersonics, after a successful college career at Oklahoma State.
During his time at Oklahoma State, Mason played four seasons for the Cowboys. He helped lead the team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive seasons from 1998 to 2000. His senior season in 2000 was particularly noteworthy as the team made it to the Elite Eight.
In the 2001 dunk contest, Mason, then a rookie, triumphed over DeShawn Stevenson of the Jazz and Baron Davis of the Hornets in the finals. This victory solidified his reputation as a formidable player in the NBA.
Beyond his basketball career, Mason has a deep passion for art. He has sold his artwork to a number of high-profile individuals, including Hollywood actor George Clooney, sports commentator Joe Buck, nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber, and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.