Agent Zero, Crittention - Draw guns over gambling?

[benji]

I wouldn't take it too hard, I've seen people on ESPN and elsewhere claiming things like D.C. bans all firearms, that there's a federal law making it illegal to conceal a firearm, that Arenas is a drug dealer as only drug dealers have guns, etc.

I'll be shocked if Arenas is charged for anything. Seems like a waste of time with so many conflicting reports. (Although I do love how quick people are to assume whatever version fits with their preconceptions is the true one.)

And I'm even more shocked that there's apparently an ordinance against having unloaded firearms in D.C. I suppose a league rule I can understand as the NBA bans and regulates lots of irrelevant and stupid things for no clear reason, but in either case, it shows how far the illogical belief that guns contain mystical and magical powers is embedded in the minds of people afraid of things they don't understand.

Also, why the hell isn't Crittenton being suspended? If Arenas is suspended until the investigation is complete, Crittenton also should be if we're being fair. (Arenas being suspended simply for his finger guns, the true explanation, is the stupidest suspension in the history of the league.)

[Andrew]

Since the whole team took part in that skit (for lack of a better word), I do wonder if the Wizards at least will fine the rest of the players.

EDIT: This article is offering a different story again where it's Crittenton who racked up a debt and pointed a loaded gun at Arenas, having previously threatened to shoot him in the kneecap for taunting him, so who knows. One thing's for sure, it's a mess the Wizards don't need.

[Fresh8]

EDIT: This article is offering a different story again where it's Crittenton who racked up a debt and pointed a loaded gun at Arenas, having previously threatened to shoot him in the kneecap for taunting him, so who knows. One thing's for sure, it's a mess the Wizards don't need.

I just read that Crittention is facing suspension too.

[Andrew]

Not surprising. On the bright site, it could be worse. They could be 3-32.

[George7]

Arenas is suspended without pay,that means only if Stern wants he can return to the court?
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/01/06/aren ... index.html

[The X]

Not surprising. On the bright site, it could be worse. They could be 3-32.

I think this is worse than being 3-32.

As for the case, it seems a lot more plausible that Crittenton is the punk in the matter. In the end Arenas got suspended because he brought the game into disrepute. It's an embarrassment to the league & to see Arenas laughing it off was the final straw.

In the end, I think Arenas will get off, maybe a lengthy suspension (rest of season), some minor gun charges.

Don't know where everybody is getting this Arenas pointing gun at somebody idea. Don't recall that ever being the circumstantial facts as we know them.

Arenas does need to mature somewhat though & make smarter decisions.

[Jeffx]

As for the case, it seems a lot more plausible that Crittenton is the punk in the matter.

Sounds like that to me. He should be punished more severely than Arenas.

[Andrew]

Don't know where everybody is getting this Arenas pointing gun at somebody idea. Don't recall that ever being the circumstantial facts as we know them.

Quite right, so far as we know he only produced the guns and jokingly invited Crittenton to choose one. A lot of stupidity all around though and as more details emerge it's obvious that Crittenton should be suspended as well.

[Rip32]

The more things come out about Crittenton the closer he inches toward his NBA career being over. He should have stayed in college, but that's beside the point. I think Gibert handled the situation horribly, but it seems like the real aggressor was Crittenton not Arenas.

[Andrew]

Indeed, it's looking like those early reports of Arenas owing Crittenton a gambling debt were inaccurate.

[shadowgrin]

From a few links back:

The Washington Post, citing two firsthand accounts of the incident, reported that after Arenas laid out four guns in Crittenton's locker with a note that said "pick one," Crittenton brandished his own weapon, loaded it and chambered a round.

According to both witnesses, the gun was never pointed at Arenas, but Crittenton began singing as he held it. Arenas then laughed, telling Crittenton, "Look at that little shiny gun," as two other players retreated to the training room, the newspaper reported.

According to the report, two of five people in the locker room at the time, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Arenas did not make that detail public in order to protect Crittenton, telling his teammate he would take full responsibility for the incident.

But Arenas disclosed Crittenton's loaded gun in his interview with investigators on Monday, the newspaper reported, citing a person with knowledge of Arenas' testimony.

Arenas tried to protect his teammate but he had to tell the 'truth' to the investigators. Kudos to Arenas for being such a sport.

[Andrew]

That certainly does change things, it's a far cry from Arenas refusing to pay a debt as originally reported but still bad judgement all around. I definitely think the league has to suspend Crittenton as well, though I still think Arenas would've been fine had he toned it down and not joked about a situation that quickly became an embarrassment for the team and the league on the court prior to tipoff. Still, in light of these new details the league should probably remove the "indefinite" part of his suspension and set it to 2-5 games for "conduct detrimental to the team/league" (or however they wish to word it), with any further action depending on the outcome of the investigation.

[The X]

Can't see them doing that Andrew. I think he'll be out for at least a month or two. Stern will be sending his message with his usual iron fist.

Am surprised Crittenton hasn't been suspended yet though. It seems like he might be in the most legal trouble, with possible jail time at end of it. Hopefully Arenas has learnt his lesson.

[Andrew]

A month would still be more appropriate than the rest of the season but you're right, it's unlikely the league would compromise like that.

[benji]

This almost deserves its own thread: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 02200.html

The example often cited was how Arenas once defecated in teammate Andray Blatche's shoe during Blatche's rookie season.

[Andrew]

Certainly well worth a read.

[The X]

That is shocking and disgusting at the same time. If that's true, I can't believe that let him get away with that. He should've been suspended a long time ago, no wonder nobody likes to play with him.

[NBABaLLa23]

I used to lived in D.C. they take their gun laws very seriously, so Arenas could possibly see some jail time. The rumors floating around by the Wiz terminating his contract is big or trading him, but Arenas is just a knuckle head that will never get it. This is like the second time he done this i believed, if i can recalled some years back when he was with the Warriors he pulled this same dumb stunt.

[NovU]

This almost deserves its own thread: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 02200.html

The example often cited was how Arenas once defecated in teammate Andray Blatche's shoe during Blatche's rookie season.

Arena's father's advice is a good one. It sounds sincere...

[benji]

I used to lived in D.C. they take their gun laws very seriously

Then the Supreme Court came along and informed them of their stupidity.

[Fresh8]

Now that all of this drama has unfolded, I'm pretty sure the Wizards will be back to rebuilding. Sad because I thoguht they would be a major player in the Eastern Conference side of the playoffs.

[Valor]

This almost deserves its own thread: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 02200.html

The example often cited was how Arenas once defecated in teammate Andray Blatche's shoe during Blatche's rookie season.

didn't Shaq take a piss in Louis Amundson's shoe to get him back for the car prank? i'm sure it's on youtube somewhere

[Andrew]

It wouldn't surprise me if there's been a lot of stuff like that happen over the years.

[Fresh8]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AnES7i4W1mfLWadXGALPIF28vLYF?slug=ap-wizards-guns&prov=ap&type=lgns

Arenas has been charged.

And looks like Crittenton would be if the police could find his gun. But doesn't seem like there's been any luck in that.

[Andrew]

I'm guessing Arenas isn't feeling too jovial in the wake of that.