NBA Rookie Kam Jones Arrested for Allegedly Speeding and Leading Police on Chase on His Way to Practice

Indiana Pacers rookie Kam Jones allegedly told authorities he was speeding because he was “late for practice” after he was arrested for leading police on a brief chase.

Jones, 23, was allegedly driving erratically on Interstate 65 in Indianapolis on Monday, Oct. 20 shortly before 10 a.m., Indiana State Police said.

The Marquette standout did not initially stop after troopers tried to pull him over, and he led police on a brief chase, according to local NBC affiliate WTHR-TV and Fox 59, citing police.

Jones was held in the Marion County Jail on preliminary charges of misdemeanor reckless driving and felony resisting law enforcement, the stations reported.

An Indiana state trooper allegedly saw Jones’ black Cadillac driving 90 mph in a 50 mph zone, according to documents obtained by both stations. The driver was “rapidly changing lanes” and was following other cars too closely, authorities said.

A representative for the Indiana State Police did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.

“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,” ISP Sgt. John Perrine told Fox 59.

After Jones stopped, he told police he “did not know he was speeding and was running late for practice for the Indiana Pacers.” 

PEOPLE has reached out to the Pacers for comment. A representative for the team said in a statement to Fox 59 that they were “aware of a situation involving Kam Jones.”

“We are in the process of gathering additional information and will not have any additional comment on the matter at this time,” the team said.

Jones was a second round draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft initially selected by the San Antonio Spurs before he was traded to the Pacers.

Currently sidelined with a back injury, the guard did not play in the preseason and is expected to make his debut on the team’s G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom, WTHR reported.