NBA All-Star Kermit Washington arrested in Homeland Security investigation

Former NBA player Kermit Washington, best known for violently punching Rudy Tomjanovich in a 1977 game, has been arrested as part of an investigation involving Homeland Security.

The reason for Washington's arrest is expected to be revealed at a press conference at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Kansas City on Wednesday.

Washington, 64, was arrested in Los Angeles by agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Internal Revenue Service.

TMZ reported that Washington's arrest is connected to the investigation of NFL Hall of Famer Ron Mix, who pleaded guilty to tax fraud on Monday.

Washington, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, delivered the most infamous punch in NBA history when he shattered the face of Tomjanovich, a star player for the Houston Rockets. Tomjanovich suffered several broken facial bones from the force of the punch and nearly died.

In addition to the Lakers, Washington played for the Boston Celtics, San Diego Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors during 10 NBA seasons. He was an All-Star for Portland during the 1979-80 season.