James Harden was arrested early last week in Houston on a charge related to firearms possession. Authorities took Harden into custody around 3:45 a.m. for allegedly carrying an unconcealed gun inside his vehicle. He is currently facing legal proceedings concerning this incident. Harden’s defense will be managed by attorney Rusty Hardin, a prominent Texas lawyer known for representing high-profile clients including NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson and baseball pitcher Roger Clemens.

This recent charge adds to a history of controversies surrounding Harden. In 2017, Moses Malone Jr. publicly accused Harden’s associates of orchestrating a late-night assault against him outside a former Houston bar and strip club. Malone claimed the attack was a retaliatory act after he criticized the cost of Harden’s basketball camp for children on social media, asserting it was prohibitively expensive for underprivileged youth. According to Malone, Harden allegedly promised a $20,000 payment to Darian Blount, the club’s bouncer at the time, to lead a group that beat Malone and stole $50,000 worth of jewelry.

Blount, who had multiple prior arrests, was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the assault. Harden was not charged in that case and has denied involvement.

Rusty Hardin, Harden’s current legal representative, is known for his aggressive defense tactics. Hardin gained attention during Congressional hearings on Roger Clemens, which focused on allegations of illegal steroid use. His handling of that case included confrontational interactions with lawmakers and managing a narrative that questioned the credibility and preparedness of the panel.

The ongoing scrutiny of Harden’s legal and personal conduct continues to shape public and media perceptions of the basketball star. While his on-court achievements remain notable, these off-court issues present challenges to his reputation and fan support.