It is easy for NBA players to draw criticism. It is even easier when they do things like stomp of sleeping homeless people.
Terrence Jones, who currently plays for the Houston Rockets, was arrested last night in Portland, OR for assaulting a homeless man sleeping in a doorway. Reportedly, Jones and his friends were leaving a nightclub when a police officer observed Jones first yelling at, and then stomping on the man’s leg.
Jones, who struggled to find playing time last season and spent time in the NBA’s developmental league, was arrested around 2 a.m., but was later released on his own recognizance.
Police: NBA player Terrence Jones, ex-HS standout in Portland, stomped on homeless man's leg http://t.co/3095zYHn1O pic.twitter.com/KNo7OYoHWf
— FOX 12 Oregon KPTV (@fox12oregon) July 31, 2013
Jones was a major high school star in Portland, his hometown. He lead Jefferson High School to three straight state championships and drew attention from every major collegiate program. He originally committed to the university of Washington, but later decommitted in order to play at the University of Kectucky. While at UK he played a hand in capturing the 2012 National Championship.
Jones has had less success since being drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets after declaring for the NBA draft following his sophomore year. As mentioned earlier, he spent a large chunk of last season in the D-league and played in only 19 regular season games.
Stomping of defenseless, homeless men might not affect his play, but it will definitely affect his image. Often, that is enough to cause a franchise to sever ties with a player, especially one that is not a major contributer. No official word has come from the Rockets just yet, but they cannot be happy with a player that is supposed to be a major part of their future performing such a disgusting act.