Charlotte Hornets player James Bouknight was arrested for driving while impaired Sunday morning, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
According to an arrest report from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, around 1:51 a.m., officers located Bouknight unconscious in the parking deck of the Francis Apartment complex.
According to a report by the Charlotte Observer, Bouknight hit two police vehicles prior to driving to the parking deck.
His bond, listed at $2,500, was paid and Bouknight practiced with the team on Monday, according to a tweet by WCNC. He was also found with a gun but was not charged for it.
The 6’4 shooting guard was drafted by the Hornets out of the University of Connecticut with the 11th pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
Last season, Bouknight, 22, averaged 4.6 points in 31 games.
“We are aware of the incident involving James Bouknight and are in the process of gathering additional information,” the Hornets released in a statement Monday. “We will have no further comment at this time.”
Bouknight, in an interview with the Charlotte Observer Monday, expressed apologized for his actions.
““Honestly, I just wanted to apologize for being a distraction before the start of the season, for my teammates and for what we’ve got going on,” he said.
Bouknight has been arrested before in Mecklenburg County. He was most recently charged with reckless driving to endanger on Oct. 10. He was also charged with reckless driving-wanton disregard on Nov. 2021, and on Feb.2022. These cases are pending.
Bouknight’s arrest adds on the Hornet’s negative offseason press related to crime.
Forward Miles Bridges was accused of abusing his girlfriend in front of their children. Former Charlotte forward Montrezl Harrell — who recently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers — was arrested for possession of three pounds marijuana in his car.
This story was updated to include additional information released on this case.
