New York Knicks reserve guard Cameron Payne pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of false report to law enforcement for giving police offers a fake name, according to TMZ Sports.
New York Knicks backup guard Cameron Payne pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of false report to law enforcement
Per court records, Payne reportedly cut a deal with prosecutors on Monday by pleading guilty. Officials dismissed the refusal to provide truthful name charge, but fines were still issued.
On June 14, 2024, Payne identified himself as “Terry Johnson” in a police body cam video when detained after the police were called to address a disturbance involving his girlfriend in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Payne, 30, also gave his date of birth as Jan. 1, 1998, when it was Aug. 8, 1994. In response, the officer said, “I’m going to check this because it kind of looks like you just made up a birthday.”
The former Phoenix Suns guard told officers the correct state, as Payne was born in Memphis, Tennessee.
According to court records, Payne was booked into Scottsdale City Jail and was later released from custody. Officer Kurt Farner was the arresting officer, according to the Scottsdale police records office.
Police were called to the area of 68th street and Chaparral Road over a domestic dispute between Payne and his girlfriend
In the nine-minute video, Payne, wearing jewelry, a black hat and shirt, explained he and his girlfriend were having a “disagreement” in the area of 68th Street and Chaparral Road.
Payne said he then called 9-1-1. The conversation initially began with Payne refusing to give his name when asked by the officer to do so.
“I don’t have to tell you my name,” said the 10-year veteran after the police officer said he called 9-1-1. “I don’t have a reason to; I told you I made a mistake.”
When the police demanded Payne to give his name and reassured him that he’d be arrested if he didn’t, Payne said, “Terry Johnson” twice even after his girlfriend identified him as Cameron.
Payne told the officers he gave his name on the 9-1-1 call and asked if they received it from the lady who took his information on the phone. The police suspected that Payne had lied about his real name.
Payne revealed his real name to officers after a while
After the officer with the body cam lectured him about the importance of providing accurate information to law enforcement, Payne finally revealed his real name.
“My name is Cameron Payne,” said Payne, who then asked the two officers to leave.
When the police asked if that was his legal name, Payne replied, “No, that’s my fake name. Can you please leave?” This led to Payne saying, “Arrest me for telling you a fake name, congratulations.”
According to the body cam footage, the cops arrested Payne around 2:44 a.m., with one officer telling him that giving a fake name is “the dumbest way to get arrested.”
Payne signed a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Knicks in July.
Through 20 games off the bench with New York, he’s averaging 7.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 17.1 minutes per contest while shooting 43.4% from the field, 41.6% from 3-point range, and 81.8% at the foul line.
