He is a Houston basketball legend. Now police say they caught him with an illegal gun.

NBA star James Harden was arrested in Texas after police found a handgun in plain view during a weekend traffic stop.

When a city loves you like a hero, you expect to see your name in lights. You do not expect to see it on a police mugshot.

WHAT HAPPENED

Police stopped NBA star James Harden early Saturday morning in Houston. Officers pulled his car over for a traffic violation at 1800 Crawford Street.

During the stop, police found a handgun inside his vehicle. They say the gun was in plain sight and was not in a holster.

Officers arrested Harden and charged him with a minor crime. He is now out on bond but must follow strict rules before his court date on June 22.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

1 traffic stop at 1800 Crawford Street in Houston

• 1 handgun found in plain sight inside his vehicle
• 1 minor charge for carrying an unlawful weapon
• 0 alcohol, drugs, or weapons allowed under his bond rules
• 1 court date scheduled for June 22

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why do famous athletes with plenty of money still feel the need to carry guns in their cars? Harden has the means to hire private security to keep him safe.

This arrest makes us ask if there is a deeper culture of fear or status around guns among professional sports stars. It shows that even the biggest names still run into trouble with local laws.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Harden must submit to random drug tests and cannot touch alcohol or firearms. If he breaks these rules, a judge could send him back to jail.

This arrest could also hurt his standing with the NBA and his current team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Why was the gun not kept in a safe place or a holster?

• Where was Harden driving so early in the morning?
• How will this arrest affect his career and his contract?