INDIANAPOLIS — Former No. 1 NBA draft pick Greg Oden has been arrested in Indianapolis on misdemeanor battery charges.
Marion County Jail records show that Oden was booked Thursday on the charges. He was arrested by police in the suburban community of Lawrence.
Oden allegedly punched a woman early Thursday morning, according to USA Today Sports. A witness, described as the victim’s best friend, told police Oden “punched her in the face,” the newspaper reports.
Police say Oden was apologetic.
“I was wrong, and I know what has to happen,” Oden said, according to USA Today, which cited the police report.
The 7-foot Oden was a star at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, then played a season at Ohio State before the Portland Trail Blazers made him the top pick in the 2007 NBA draft.
Knee injuries have derailed his career, and he didn’t play from December 2009 until returning to the court this past season with the Miami Heat. He played in 23 games, averaging 2.9 points. He is now a free agent.
August 7, 2014 7:08 AM
