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NBA players and guns

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January 13, 2010

Marie Hofer

Over the summer it was Delonte West in trouble with the law for carrying guns in a guitar case. He was allegedly off his bi-polar medication and was having trouble without the structure of the season. His return was questionable at the beginning of the season. Cavalier’s fans, including myself, were happy to see him return though because it meant he was doing better and has a chance to help make the Cavaliers contenders for an NBA Championship.

So logically thinking most NBA players would shy away from anything relating to guns because of the West debacle, but that was not the case for Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards. Now he is in trouble with the law and the NBA for admittedly bringing four guns into the locker room at the Verizon Wireless Arena during a practice.

David Stern, Commissioner of the NBA, was furious and rightfully so. He suspended Arenas indefinitely, stating that he was currently unfit to take the court in an NBA game. His suspension is without pay until the NBA finishes its own investigation into what happened. And once the investigation is over, his standing in the NBA is tenuous.

According to the Associated Press, with each game he misses, Arenas will lose about $147,200 of the $16.2 million he will earn this season in the second-year of a six-year, $111 million contract.

Arenas stated that he was more scared of what the commissioner would do than law enforcement. I think that statement was ridiculously ignorant to publicly say but in a way I understand it.

The commissioner could make it possible that he never plays in the NBA. He is already a millionaire, although I can imagine it would be hard to swallow losing the rest of his $111 million contract. If I was in his shoes I think the most devastating part would be not being able to play the game he is obviously so passionate about.

Anyone who watches his intensity on the court and the intensity of the effort he puts into every game could not only see but also feel his passion for the game.

Although Arenas is an incredibly gifted player, he has never been high on my list of favorites. That may have a lot to do with the fact that the Wizards have been tough competition for the Cavaliers in the early rounds of the playoffs. But also it’s the attitude of superiority that he brings to the court.

Obviously, he has reason to be cocky, he is that good but he seems to take it too far and he proved that by bringing guns to the arena.

If his attitude matures he should be allowed to come back and play eventually. He was man enough to apologize for his actions; he admitted he was wrong and publicly stated that there is no such thing as joking around when it comes to guns.

I applaud the commissioner and law enforcement for taking action. Talent cannot make up for bad judgment or unwise choices.

Arenas, in my opinion, will definitely think twice about his actions. If he is allowed back into the NBA I hope he appreciates his second chance because it is honestly not owed to him.

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