Ruben Patterson
Encyclopedia
Ruben Nathaniel Patterson (born July 31, 1975) is a former American
professional basketball
player. During his career, he played as a small forward
and shooting guard
. During his college career at the University of Cincinnati
, Patterson earned third-team All-American honors and helped lead the Bearcats to Conference USA
titles in both of his seasons there. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers
in 1998
, Patterson began his career with the Greek team AEK Athens BC
before joining the Lakers in his rookie season. Later, he played for the NBA teams Seattle SuperSonics
, Portland Trail Blazers
, Denver Nuggets
, Milwaukee Bucks
, and Los Angeles Clippers
before ending his career with the Lebanese team Champville SC
.
. As a youth, he lived mostly with his mother, Charlene Patterson, who eventually died of a heart attack
when he was at the University of Cincinnati
.
After hearing of her death while on a road trip, he rejected an offer to fly home and spend time with his family, instead staying with his team for the game and scoring 37 points. "My mother would have wanted me to play," Patterson later explained.
Ruben started off his college basketball career in the small town of Independence, Kansas at the Independence Community College. He later transferred to the University of Cincinnati.
(31st pick overall), chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers
. Due to the lock-out season of 1998
, he started the season in the Greek league
playing with AEK Athens BC
where he averaged 12.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 19 games. He later played for the Lakers, the Seattle SuperSonics
, the Portland Trail Blazers
, the Denver Nuggets
, the Milwaukee Bucks
, and the Los Angeles Clippers
, averaging a career 10.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He nicknamed himself the "Kobe Stopper" after claiming he could play strong defense against NBA superstar Kobe Bryant
.
Patterson left the Lakers for Seattle on August 10, 1999 as a free agent. He quickly became known as a solid defensive player and a good shooter, finishing fourth in the league in field goal percentage. He finished his second season in Seattle after starting 74-of-81 games, and third on the team in scoring with 13.6 points per game. After that season, he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers.
In just his second year in Portland, trouble began to brew for Patterson. He was punched in the face by teammate Zach Randolph during a practice. Randolph stepped between an argument between Patterson and rookie teammate Qyntel Woods. The move cost Randolph $100,000.
Often outspoken and erratic, Patterson was temporarily suspended from the Trail Blazers in the 2005–06 season for speaking harshly at coach Nate McMillan
and refusing to return to a game, upset about his lack of playing time. Patterson later explained his outburst, saying he was frustrated and it was "like the devil hit me and told me to get it out". He also demanded that he get at least 25 minutes per game or be traded.
In February 2006, Patterson was traded to the Denver Nuggets
. In the following off-season, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Joe Smith. In Milwaukee, Patterson posted the best numbers of his career with 14.7 points per game, 2.9 assists per game, 31.4 minutes per game. He also tied a career-high in rebounds per game with 5.4 as well as posted a career-best 55% field goal percentage.
On August 29, 2007, Patterson signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers
. Patterson was waived by the Clippers on December 13, 2007. He later joined the Lebanese club 'Champville'.
to establish legal residency in many U.S. states, due to pleading guilty in 2001 to attempted rape
of his child's nanny
in September 2000. It was reported that he forced the nanny to perform a sex act on him. In February 2001, Patterson was convicted of misdemeanor
assault
for attacking a man who scratched his car outside a Cleveland, Ohio
night club. Patterson was arrested in 2002 for felony domestic abuse charges on his wife. His wife later dropped the charges and they divorce
d.
He was accused of failing to register as a sex offender on May 15, 2007 after moving into a new house in Cincinnati and a bench warrant was issued. His agent, former NFL player Tim McGee
, said Patterson's failure to register was "an oversight" after Patterson was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine on June 8.
On March 27, 2010, Patterson was arrested in Hamilton County, Ohio on DUI charges after it was found that his blood alcohol level was .117. On July 26, 2010, Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard sentenced him to a $500 fine and a 3 day driving program. She also ordered Patterson not to consume alcohol for 18 months.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player. During his career, he played as a small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
and shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
. During his college career at the University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
, Patterson earned third-team All-American honors and helped lead the Bearcats to Conference USA
Conference USA
Conference USA, officially abbreviated C-USA, is a college athletic conference whose member institutions are located within the Southern United States. The conference participates in the NCAA's Division I in all sports...
titles in both of his seasons there. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in 1998
1998 NBA Draft
The 1998 NBA Draft took place on June 24, 1998 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This draft helped turn around three struggling franchises: the Dallas Mavericks, the Sacramento Kings, and the Toronto Raptors....
, Patterson began his career with the Greek team AEK Athens BC
AEK Athens BC
AEK BC , the Athletic Union of Constantinople, is a Greek professional sports basketball club based in Athens, Greece. The club was established in Athens in 1924 by Greek refugees from Constantinople in the wake of the Greco-Turkish War ....
before joining the Lakers in his rookie season. Later, he played for the NBA teams Seattle SuperSonics
Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as...
, Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
, Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
, Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
, and Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
before ending his career with the Lebanese team Champville SC
Champville SC
Champville SC or Champville Maristes Sports and Basketball Club Champville SC competes in the Lebanese Basketball League 1st division.-History:* Lebanese League Semifinals -02, 06, 07* Lebanese Cup Winner -04, 10...
.
Early life
Patterson had a troubled family life, both parents and one of his sisters battled drug addiction, and his father spent time in prisonPrison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
. As a youth, he lived mostly with his mother, Charlene Patterson, who eventually died of a heart attack
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
when he was at the University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
.
After hearing of her death while on a road trip, he rejected an offer to fly home and spend time with his family, instead staying with his team for the game and scoring 37 points. "My mother would have wanted me to play," Patterson later explained.
Ruben started off his college basketball career in the small town of Independence, Kansas at the Independence Community College. He later transferred to the University of Cincinnati.
Professional career
Patterson was a second-round selection of the 1998 NBA Draft1998 NBA Draft
The 1998 NBA Draft took place on June 24, 1998 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This draft helped turn around three struggling franchises: the Dallas Mavericks, the Sacramento Kings, and the Toronto Raptors....
(31st pick overall), chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. Due to the lock-out season of 1998
1998-99 NBA season
The 1999 NBA season was the 53rd season of the National Basketball Association . Due to a lockout, the season did not start until February 5, 1999 after a new six year Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association...
, he started the season in the Greek league
A1 Ethniki
The Greek Basket League , commonly referred to as the Greek Basketball League or Greek Basketball Championship, is the highest professional basketball league in Greece. It is run by HEBA...
playing with AEK Athens BC
AEK Athens BC
AEK BC , the Athletic Union of Constantinople, is a Greek professional sports basketball club based in Athens, Greece. The club was established in Athens in 1924 by Greek refugees from Constantinople in the wake of the Greco-Turkish War ....
where he averaged 12.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 19 games. He later played for the Lakers, the Seattle SuperSonics
Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as...
, the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
, the Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
, the Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
, and the Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, averaging a career 10.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He nicknamed himself the "Kobe Stopper" after claiming he could play strong defense against NBA superstar Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bean Bryant is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school...
.
Patterson left the Lakers for Seattle on August 10, 1999 as a free agent. He quickly became known as a solid defensive player and a good shooter, finishing fourth in the league in field goal percentage. He finished his second season in Seattle after starting 74-of-81 games, and third on the team in scoring with 13.6 points per game. After that season, he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers.
In just his second year in Portland, trouble began to brew for Patterson. He was punched in the face by teammate Zach Randolph during a practice. Randolph stepped between an argument between Patterson and rookie teammate Qyntel Woods. The move cost Randolph $100,000.
Often outspoken and erratic, Patterson was temporarily suspended from the Trail Blazers in the 2005–06 season for speaking harshly at coach Nate McMillan
Nate McMillan
Nathaniel "Nate" McMillan is a retired American professional basketball player and current head coach of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers...
and refusing to return to a game, upset about his lack of playing time. Patterson later explained his outburst, saying he was frustrated and it was "like the devil hit me and told me to get it out". He also demanded that he get at least 25 minutes per game or be traded.
In February 2006, Patterson was traded to the Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
. In the following off-season, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Joe Smith. In Milwaukee, Patterson posted the best numbers of his career with 14.7 points per game, 2.9 assists per game, 31.4 minutes per game. He also tied a career-high in rebounds per game with 5.4 as well as posted a career-best 55% field goal percentage.
On August 29, 2007, Patterson signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
. Patterson was waived by the Clippers on December 13, 2007. He later joined the Lebanese club 'Champville'.
Personal life
Patterson has been involved in a number of off-the-court issues during his basketball career. Patterson would have to register himself as a sex offenderSex offender
A sex offender is a person who has committed a sex crime. What constitutes a sex crime differs by culture and by legal jurisdiction. Most jurisdictions compile their laws into sections such as traffic, assault, sexual, etc. The majority of convicted sex offenders have convictions for crimes of a...
to establish legal residency in many U.S. states, due to pleading guilty in 2001 to attempted rape
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. The...
of his child's nanny
Nanny
A nanny, childminder or child care provider, is an individual who provides care for one or more children in a family as a service...
in September 2000. It was reported that he forced the nanny to perform a sex act on him. In February 2001, Patterson was convicted of misdemeanor
Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is a "lesser" criminal act in many common law legal systems. Misdemeanors are generally punished much less severely than felonies, but theoretically more so than administrative infractions and regulatory offences...
assault
Assault
In law, assault is a crime causing a victim to fear violence. The term is often confused with battery, which involves physical contact. The specific meaning of assault varies between countries, but can refer to an act that causes another to apprehend immediate and personal violence, or in the more...
for attacking a man who scratched his car outside a Cleveland, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
night club. Patterson was arrested in 2002 for felony domestic abuse charges on his wife. His wife later dropped the charges and they divorce
Divorce
Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
d.
He was accused of failing to register as a sex offender on May 15, 2007 after moving into a new house in Cincinnati and a bench warrant was issued. His agent, former NFL player Tim McGee
Tim McGee
Timothy Dwanye Hatchett McGee is a retired professional American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins from 1986 to 1994...
, said Patterson's failure to register was "an oversight" after Patterson was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine on June 8.
On March 27, 2010, Patterson was arrested in Hamilton County, Ohio on DUI charges after it was found that his blood alcohol level was .117. On July 26, 2010, Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard sentenced him to a $500 fine and a 3 day driving program. She also ordered Patterson not to consume alcohol for 18 months.