Cops definitely knew who they had been arresting after they threw the cuffs on Rajon Rondo earlier this 12 months … as police physique cam footage, obtained by TMZ Sports, reveals officers mentioned his NBA profession simply after pulling him over.

The cease, as we beforehand reported, occurred again on Jan. 28 in Jackson County, Indiana … after authorities alleged Rondo’s black Tesla did not have a license plate correctly secured to its rear.

The video reveals that after initially talking with Rondo and acquiring his info … cops went again to their squad automobile — and chatted for a number of moments concerning the ex-Celtics guard’s time on the hardwood.

“He’s a former basketball player,” one of many cops will be heard saying within the footage. “He played for a bunch of NBA teams.”

It must be famous … the person additionally added, “Not that I care, I’m just telling you.”

Later in the course of the cease, one of many cops on the scene really introduced up Rondo’s NBA profession to his face — asking him straight up, “You played in the NBA, didn’t you, buddy?”

When Rondo instructed him sure and for the way lengthy, the officer exclaimed, “Wow!”

Unfortunately for Rondo, his fame did not assist him a lot throughout his run-in with the police … as he was nonetheless arrested by the cops after they mentioned they found a small quantity of weed, drug paraphernalia and a gun in his trip.

The 38-year-old four-time All-Star, who final performed within the NBA in the course of the 2021-22 season, was hit with three expenses over the encounter … though again in September, he reached a plea deal with prosecutors to shut out the case.

Rondo agreed to plead responsible to a misdemeanor depend of illegal carrying of a handgun … and in trade, officers dropped the 2 different expenses he was going through. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail … however the sentence was suspended, which means he’ll as a substitute spend the time on probation if he avoids any additional hassle.