Was James Bouknight Arrested? Why was James Bouknight Arrested?
by S Samayanka | Updated Nov 27, 2023
Was James Bouknight Arrested?
Yes, James Bouknight, the Charlotte Hornets guard, was indeed arrested. He was taken into custody on DWI charges after being discovered unconscious in his vehicle in a Charlotte parking lot. When police arrived, they found Bouknight intoxicated, holding a gun, with his vehicle running and in drive. Attempts to awaken him involved a one-hour effort using loudspeakers, airhorns, and lights.
Upon waking, Bouknight allegedly refused to comply with commands, ate food inside his vehicle, and subsequently crashed into two police cars. He admitted to consuming approximately four tequila shots before driving home. Due to being in a public area, behind the wheel of a running vehicle, and intoxicated, Bouknight was arrested for DWI.
The Charlotte Hornets acknowledged the situation and mentioned they were looking into it but provided no further comment. Bouknight, a first-round draft pick in 2021, was given a $2,500 bond. The incident occurred just before the team's regular-season opener against San Antonio.
Who is James Bouknight?
James Bouknight, born on September 18 in the year 2000, is an American professional basketball player currently associated with the Charlotte Hornets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his talent and skills, Bouknight played college basketball for the UConn Huskies before being drafted by the Hornets as a first-round pick in 2021. His position as a guard showcases his agility and scoring abilities on the court.
However, Bouknight gained attention not only for his basketball prowess but also for a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) incident. In October 2022, he was arrested when found unconscious and intoxicated in his vehicle with a gun. Despite this incident, Bouknight remains a notable figure in the NBA, contributing to the Charlotte Hornets' lineup.
Name
James Bouknight
Jersey No.
2
Team
Charlotte Hornets
Position
Shooting guard / Point guard
League
NBA
Born
September 18, 2000
Age
23 Years
Birthplace
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Height
6 ft 4 in
Weight
190 lb
James Bouknight Early Life
James Bouknight, born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, developed a passion for sports early in his life. Initially immersed in baseball during his childhood, he transitioned to basketball in middle school, setting the stage for his promising career. Starting his high school journey at La Salle Academy in Manhattan, Bouknight quickly made a mark, averaging 17.4 points per game and leading his team to a New York Federation Class B state championship as a junior.
His stellar performance earned him accolades, including the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Seeking broader exposure, Bouknight reclassified and transferred to MacDuffie School in Massachusetts, where he continued to showcase his skills. Despite a season-ending knee injury in his reclassified junior season, he persevered, recovering and making significant contributions on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit alongside players like Cole Anthony.
Recognized with All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council AA honors in his senior year, Bouknight's impressive high school career laid the foundation for his subsequent journey in college basketball with UConn.
James Bouknight Career
James Bouknight's basketball career has been marked by both highs and challenges. During his freshman season at UConn, he faced a suspension for allegedly fleeing a car crash, but he rebounded on the court, showcasing his potential. Bouknight's standout moment came on February 9, 2020, when he scored a season-high 23 points in a crucial overtime win against Cincinnati. This performance earned him the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Week title. His freshman year contributions earned him a spot on the Third Team All-AAC and the All-Freshman Team.
Entering his sophomore season, Bouknight was named to the preseason John R. Wooden Award watch list, reflecting expectations for his continued growth. He had a remarkable game on December 20, 2020, scoring a career-high 40 points despite a close overtime loss to Creighton. However, an elbow injury in January 2021 sidelined him for eight games. Despite the setback, Bouknight bounced back and finished the season averaging 18.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, earning First Team All-Big East honors.
Opting to forgo his remaining college eligibility, Bouknight declared for the 2021 NBA draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the 11th overall pick. Since joining the NBA, he has had notable moments, including scoring his first NBA points in November 2021 and achieving a career-high 24 points in December 2021. As he transitions into the professional arena, Bouknight continues to make strides, exemplifying resilience and talent in his basketball journey.
Why was James Bouknight Arrested?
James Bouknight, the Charlotte Hornets guard, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Police responded to reports of him unconscious in his vehicle, holding a gun with the engine running. After attempts to wake him, Bouknight allegedly refused commands, ate inside his vehicle, and crashed into two police cars.
A subsequent breathalyzer test revealed a blood-alcohol content of 0.14, exceeding the legal limit. Despite possessing a gun, he wasn't charged for its possession. The incident led to a $2,500 bond, and Bouknight expressed regret, apologizing for being a distraction and aiming to learn and grow from the experience.
Was James Bouknight Arrested? - FAQs
Yes, James Bouknight was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
He was found unconscious in his vehicle, holding a gun, with the engine running.
No, Bouknight wasn't charged for gun possession as open carry is permitted under certain conditions in North Carolina.
His blood-alcohol content was 0.14, exceeding North Carolina's legal limit of 0.08.
He faces pending charges for three separate incidents, including speeding, reckless driving, and wanton disregard, with court dates in November and December.