Houston Rockets: Terrence Jones Latest

Apr 5, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Terrence Jones (6) posts up against Portland Trail Blazers small forward Victor Claver (18) at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones has pleaded not guilty to a charge of harassment in his hometown of Portland, Oregon.

Jones, 21, was arrested at 2:07 a.m. local time Wednesday and charged with a Class B misdemeanor. He was released on his own recognizance at 6:02 a.m. A trial date is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 6 in the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

According to a police spokesman, Sgt. Anthony Passadore observed Jones shortly after 2 a.m. walk past two men sleeping in a doorway, and shouted “wake up” to them before stomping on one of the men’s legs. Jones was with a group of about eight people when he was stopped and taken into custody about a half a block from the incident.

It was reported Wednesday that the victim, 46-year-old Daniel John Kellerher, was planning to press charges after suffering from a minor leg injury. However, Kellerher will not press charges as his injury was not major enough to receive medical assistance.

“I’m convinced this is not a criminal incident,” O’Connell said. “He’s charged with harassment, and it will go away, I’m sure. It should not be a criminal matter. I think Terrence told him, ‘You better wake up,’ or something. The fella was sleeping on the sidewalk.

“He’s very embarrassed by this. He’s a young kid who can’t understand why this happened. He’s really upset over it. He’s not a person who would do something spiteful.”

Rockets spokesperson Tracey Hughes said the organization is aware of the reports but has no comment.

More to come later.