NBA free agent arrested after giving police a fake name

NBA free agent Cam Payne was arrested last month after a late-night incident in which he gave police a false name.

Police arrested Payne, who most recently played for the Philadelphia 76ers, on the morning of June 14, according to TMZ Sports, after he repeatedly refused to give officers his real name during the investigation.

Payne reportedly made the 911 call that led to the investigation.

Cam Payne refused to give police his name before his arrest

Scottsdale police say in their report that Payne called police around 2:44 a.m. after an argument with his girlfriend.

Police arrived at the scene but were told by Payne and his girlfriend that their presence was no longer necessary.

Police say they told Payne they could complete their investigation if he gave them his name and date of birth.

Then, supposedly, a breakthrough occurred.

Payne allegedly refused to identify himself, repeating that his name was “Terry Johnson.”

Police told Payne they believed he was lying, to which he replied, “Okay.”

Police said Payne eventually wrote down his name but then told them, “No, that’s my fake name, can you please go away?”

Payne was then informed that if he did not give them his name he would be handcuffed and arrested.

“If you want to arrest me for giving a false name,” the officers told them, “then congratulations.”

And that’s exactly what they did.

Police arrested the 29-year-old and took him to jail. He was arrested on two separate charges — one count of refusing to provide his real name and one count of filing a false report with law enforcement.

He was released shortly thereafter.

Payne averaged 7.4 points per game in 78 games for the Milwaukee Bucks and 76ers in the 2023-24 season.