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Thursday, January 7, 2010 | 7:53am
SOUND OFF: Did Gilbert Arenas’ Indefinate Suspension Fit The Crime?
Was his hand pistol mocking and post game press conference so damning or did the Commissioner make the right decision?
Just as the Gilbert Arenas gun saga was beginning to get more and more interesting each day, the NBA commissioner layed the smack down on the Washington Wizards guard indefinitely “or worse” Wednesday for storing unloaded guns in his locker room at the Verizon Center.
“Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game,” Commissioner David Stern announced Wednesday, “accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA.”
Because the suspension is without pay each missed game will cost Arenas a hefty $147,208.
While an NBA player storing a weapon in his locker is bizzare enough the story escalated when it was reported that the gun was discovered when Arenas half-heartedly threatened fellow teammate Javaris Crittenton with the weapon over a gambling debt. Then the final straw came when Arenas was pictured mocking the incident in a pregame dance ritual breaking out his hand pistols. When asked about it during a post game press conference, Arenas made light of the situation said he would only feel remorse if he did something wrong.
There is so much wrong with this story its almost hard to know where to begin. I think we can all agree a gun probably shouldn’t be stored in an NBA locker room that goes without saying. Ok his testosterone got the best of him when Crittenton was joking with him and he couldn’t resist showing off the hardware. Ok maybe. But this is all over a gambling debt? Isn’t this the same league that’s trying to put the whole Tim Donaghy/ point shaving/ mafia/ betting scandal behind them? It might be best to lay low on the gambling of ANY kind wouldn’t you say? Especially among teammates. That said, Arenas’ clear mocking of the situation was the nail in his own coffin and his utter disregard for the severity of the situation in his press conference was just the first shovel of dirt. And to think this is the same team that was so honorably renamed the “Wizards” by its very recently deceased former owner Abe Pollin who believed the “Bullets” was inappropriate for a city plagued by such a high murder rate. So sad. SOUND OFF!
FILED IN Editorials, News, Sports
I never knew what the “final straw” was. I was wondering why it took a week for the story to break. Thanks for sharing.
.
To answer your question, I think Gilbert Arenas needs this suspension to get back on track. He’s never really been a problem, so he’s got to get serious again. He’s still one of my favorite hoopers and I wish him a swift and speedy “recovery”.
I honestly believe he shouldn’t be allowed to play in the NBA again. Someone please tell me a job where you can bring a personal firearm to work and not get instantly fired.
There seems to be this growing trend amongst celebs where they feel justified in carrying guns because of their own paranoia.
If they don’t make an example of them quick then you will only see behavior like this in the NBA grow.
I don’t even know what to say…this dude is a dumb-ass! he begged to get suspended…what, a suspension will give him “street cred”?! WTF?!
He makes 3 times in one game what I make in one year!!! and he is that dumb, to bring guns and “play” threaten his teamate (who then, allegedly, pulled out his piece, cocked and loaded it!) WTF?! is his teamate getting suspended too? Haven’t heard anything about that…..These mufuckas lack perspective!!!
Da dude Makes too much money not to carry a pistol if it was me I would carry one too !
It is Gilbert Arenas constitutional right to carry a fire arm. I know plenty of people who carry there gun everywhere they go.(including work). As Americans we have the right to protect ourselves and freedoms as long we do not impose on anyone elses. I dont know Washington laws but in most states you can carry a gun long as its registered and concealed. Now Gilbert messed up when he flashed his “hardware” because once you do that the gun is no longer “concealed”. Now I believe he should be suspended for that but not for having the gun itself.
People like “David Stern” and “Mike Belgove” more than likely has never been robbed or been a victim of a violent crime. You hear about it and understand it, but until it happens to you can not really grasp feeling.
Trust me if it does, you’ll be the first in line to buy one and you’ll carry it everywhere you go.
What violent crimes are you aware of that Arenas have been the victim of? If you can’t name one then you are just making assumptions.
Your right, it is our constitutional right to carry a firearm. Unfortunately idiots like Arenas bring such rights into question.
I own a firearm myself but I would never Ever take it to work. Ever.
And I’m still waiting for someone to show me a company that has a policy that says its okay to bring you gun to work.
Nobody is disputing constitutional rights. The issue is that he broke the law and that he used extremely poor judgement (and then tried to make it into a joke). If I had that much money, I would have bodyguards when in public. He shouldn’t be going anywhere where he is in danger of getting jacked up anyway, because of who he is. He should know he is a target.
I’ve been robbed, and took it as my bad for not being careful enough. Happened once. I’ve never carried a gun, although I could easily get one. If I had a gun, I would find a reason to use it. Now, I can use my brain and avoid/get out of a situation. Nobody (especially me!) gets hurt.
@ Emerson Diaz… I feel you on the fact that he used bad judgement and Gilbert should be held accountable for his actions. But far as the gun…. most pro Athlete’s carry them. I know a few and most of them cant afford bodyguards. Most pro’s grew up poor in bad hood’s and know haters who will hurt them the first chance they get. When you are them and everyone knows you, anywhere you go can be dangerous. It doesnt matter.
Antoine Walker was duct tapes and held at gunpoint during a robbery at his home.
Shawn Taylor killed two year ago in his own house. Terri Porter was shot in a club. Steve McNair was killed by some crazy chick. Michael Irvin had a gun waved in this face and was almosted car jacked. The list goes on. Just google “murdered pro athletes” and you would be shocked.
I see your point. A lot of people who are not rich and famous have their homes invaded and they get killed for what someone thinks they have. So, it can happen to anyone. However, what they all share is money and a certain lifestyle. How come we never hear of most athletes/entertainers getting jacked? probably due to the company they keep, security, luck, whatever…I dunno…this is a crazy world we live in…I’d like to have the problem of making 16 million per, to see how I handle it.
Another athlete TRAPPED in sports ENTERTAINMENT. These guys are turning old past times to WWE. Wilt the Stilt is probably turning in his grave right now. Whatever happened to just busting down 10,000 dames? Oh…HIV….Can’t win anywhere!!
Another dumb athlete in my opinion. Too much money can turn you into a monster. You are no longer human. Cannot go the same places and kick it with the same folks you knew/know. A target no matter what! All in all RO put it best. I’m just venting!
I agree with RO
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