OT: Arenas,Crittenton draw guns, Arenas charged with felony

[celticsfanforlife]

Perry v US (1935) affirms Section 4 of the 14th, and voided a government issued bond Pogue:

Section 4.

The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

[celticsfanforlife]

Backfiring on your own clauses surely didnt get the elves in trouble but it might get the bushies

[campybatman]

A stiff punishment could be coming soon. I expect not only fines, but a significant suspension without pay. That is, depending on what is found out from any investigation.

Michael Lee: I grabbed Arenas after practice. He told me he is considering filing a lawsuit against the NY Post. "That's not the real story," he said. Twitter.com

Bill Simmons: FYI: if Gilbert is convicted of a felony, the Wiz can void his horrific contract ASAP. No wonder they reported it so quickly! Twitter.com

[celticsfanforlife]

A stiff punishment could be coming soon. I expect not only fines, but a significant suspension without pay. That is, depending on what is found out from any investigation.

Michael Lee: I grabbed Arenas after practice. He told me he is considering filing a lawsuit against the NY Post. "That's not the real story," he said. Twitter.com

Bill Simmons: FYI: if Gilbert is convicted of a felony, the Wiz can void his horrific contract ASAP. No wonder they reported it so quickly! Twitter.com

Nice reporting.

Blockbusta story...clearly...Gilbert for the vet min! (Haha)...let's see what other details trickle out.

[Captain_Caveman]

Ironic that some Celtics fans don't think NBA players have a reason to keep guns even though their best player nearly died after getting stabbed a dozen times in a dive on Kneeland St.

My read is that the Wiz want Gilbert to be punished, but not that much. They had 4 days with this before issuing a BS statement supporting the idea that he kept some unloaded weapons safely and responsibly locked away in a valiant attempt to protect his daughter.

Did you read where he even brought he guns to team security of his own volition because of his epiphany that he just didn't need them anymore? What a thoughtful, responsible citizen!

Stern will crack down on him to make a point, and the police may even issue a misdemeanor or two, but get serious guys... you need actual evidence and there will be little of that without the witnesses that aren't going to come forward on this.

Telfair got 2 games for bringing a gun onto a team plane. Stephen Jackson got 7 games for pleading guilty to a felony count of firing a gun outside of a busy nightclub. Stern has some leeway in terms of this being his 2nd offense and his violating "league policy", but if Gilbert gets more than 10 or so, I appeal and win if I am his lawyer.

[campybatman]

Isn't there a proverb... Two wrongs do not make a right. NBA players should feel just as safe as the fans that attend live games. However, what allegedly occurred (since the facts aren't entirely public) between Washington Wizards teammates, has taken the notion of players policing themselves too far. With all the wealth that's made from professional sports such as the NBA. There must be better and more efficient ways to protect players so they won't have to feel the need to carry firearms on their person or keep them in their locker room area.

On the other hand, once outside of the arena, players are responsible for themselves and their own actions. Not the NBA. You've a salary, hire bodyguards or what have you.

I recall a scene in the movie Friday where the son's father asks him why he has a gun to which the son replies, for protection. Protection from what, son? Back during my time, your fists were all the protection one needed. You won some, you lost some, but you lived to fight another day. I recall this from memory so it probably isn't verbatim of what each actor said in this particular scene. But the point is clear.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank said that the league won't plan any disciplinary action until the legal investigation is completed. "There is an active investigation by D.C. law enforcement authorities, which we are monitoring closely," Frank said in an e-mailed statement. "We are not taking any independent action at this time."

Under the collective bargaining agreement, players cannot have weapons at NBA facilities. Arenas hasn't been charged with a crime, but he could face a league fine or suspension following the investigation. The NBA and the Wizards are waiting to see if law enforcement agencies file charges before making a decision.[/b] An NBA Players Association spokesman said that the union is "actively monitoring all aspects of the situation."

A person who has spoken with Arenas recently said that the incident involving Crittenton was "nothing more than horseplay" and that there was never any intent to physically harm Crittenton. The person also said the argument between Arenas and Crittenton was over "who had the bigger gun."

Regardless of the circumstances, one player said Friday that the entire incident made him feel uncomfortable because the locker room is considered "sacred."

The NBA collective bargaining agreement prohibits firearms at league facilities. The clause was added in 2005, following an incident in 2002 involving Chris Mills, who was a member of the Golden State Warriors and a teammate of Arenas at the time. After a fight with the Portland Trail Blazers' Bonzi Wells, Mills allegedly pulled a weapon on the Blazers' team bus.

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Sebastian Telfair was fined an undisclosed amount in 2006 for carrying a loaded handgun registered to his girlfriend on the team plane at Boston's Logan International Airport when he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Arenas has a prior weapons charge and was suspended for the season opener in 2004-05 after he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor weapons and vehicle charge for possessing a concealed weapon and driving without a license in 2003.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... tml?sub=AR

[cfan79]

Good luck sweeping this one under the rug Stern.

I agree with others in hoping this makes it possible for Washington to void that contract.

Why would any other teams fans want them to be able to do that? Them having that albatross around their necks makes me happy because that means there's one less team I have to worry about.

[campybatman]

Interestingly, the Arenas investigation has reportedly prompted Washington to put any trade discussions involving their players on hold. By doing so, you possibly divert Cleveland's attention away from A. Jamison. Cleveland's one of Boston's chief obstacles to the NBA Finals. Hence, you're prompting them to look toward acquiring maybe their second or third choice at power forward or what have you. That is to say, they acquire Murphy as oppose to Jamison.

I mean that's one way you could put a positive spin on this which could benefit Boston and/or Orlando. If Cleveland gets impatient, they turn to another player they like on the block. Because I don't see this Arenas thing going away quickly or quietly. Especially, if he and his legal team can build a legitimate case against the New York Post.

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

Well, he's now facing an indefinite suspension without pay. It's pretty sad to think that it was his own team that snitched on him. If I'm a free agent, one of the last places I'd want to play in would be Washington.

[campybatman]

Well, the way you can hurt a NBA player is by hurting him in the wallet. Let's point out that that's an indefinite suspension without pay. Meaning unless something arises from the investigation that helps Arenas. It'll be up to Stern to lift his suspension. The suspension could last until the end of the regular season because Washington isn't making the playoffs. Let's be for real. There's just too much drama going on for that franchise to have any type of a turnaround this season. I mean Arenas isn't going anywhere and, in order for things to improve, he must go.

[loscy]

Well, he's now facing an indefinite suspension without pay. It's pretty sad to think that it was his own team that snitched on him. If I'm a free agent, one of the last places I'd want to play in would be Washington.

The owner of the Wizards, Abe Pollin , recently passed away. Abe was completely opposed to guns and gun violence. He was so opposed that he changed the name of his Professional franchise to the Wizards after being know as the Bullets for 33 years. Four of the top executives with the Wizards, including the current owner (i believe Abes wife) are direct members of Abe Pollins family.

Why would the Wizards fight for Gilberts right to bring weapons to an NBA arena in violation of his contract and NBA rules given the history and current leadership of the Organization?

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

Well, he's now facing an indefinite suspension without pay. It's pretty sad to think that it was his own team that snitched on him. If I'm a free agent, one of the last places I'd want to play in would be Washington.

The owner of the Wizards, Abe Pollin , recently passed away. Abe was completely opposed to guns and gun violence. He was so opposed that he changed the name of his Professional franchise to the Wizards after being know as the Bullets for 33 years. Four of the top executives with the Wizards, including the current owner (i believe Abes wife) are direct members of Abe Pollins family.

Why would the Wizards fight for Gilberts right to bring weapons to an NBA arena in violation of his contract and NBA rules given the history and current leadership of the Organization?

I'm against guns myself. Gilbert's a fool for bringing guns to the arena. However, IMHO, Grunfeld saw this as an opportunity to get out of the mistake that he made of re-signing Arenas to that deal, despite the fact that Gil had a bad set of knees. If the Wizards were a top 4 team in the East, and Gilbert Arenas was 100% healthy, do you really think they would have reported this?

[loscy]

Well, he's now facing an indefinite suspension without pay. It's pretty sad to think that it was his own team that snitched on him. If I'm a free agent, one of the last places I'd want to play in would be Washington.

The owner of the Wizards, Abe Pollin , recently passed away. Abe was completely opposed to guns and gun violence. He was so opposed that he changed the name of his Professional franchise to the Wizards after being know as the Bullets for 33 years. Four of the top executives with the Wizards, including the current owner (i believe Abes wife) are direct members of Abe Pollins family.

Why would the Wizards fight for Gilberts right to bring weapons to an NBA arena in violation of his contract and NBA rules given the history and current leadership of the Organization?

I'm against guns myself. Gilbert's a fool for bringing guns to the arena. However, IMHO, Grunfeld saw this as an opportunity to get out of the mistake that he made of re-signing Arenas to that deal, despite the fact that Gil had a bad set of knees. If the Wizards were a top 4 team in the East, and Gilbert Arenas was 100% healthy, do you really think they would have reported this?

Well part of my point was i don't think Ernie was the one responsible for this. The Pollin family that is running the franchise was insulted that Gilbert would disrespect the legacy of the long time owner who just recently passed away. They were the ones who went to Stern asking for discipline against Gilbert.

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

Well part of my point was i don't think Ernie was the one responsible for this. The Pollin family that is running the franchise was insulted that Gilbert would disrespect the legacy of the long time owner who just recently passed away. They were the ones who went to Stern asking for discipline against Gilbert.

Like I said, IMHO, word of this incident doesn't get out if the Wizards are winning. But since they suck, having the option to wipe a hobbled Arenas off their books so they could save on luxury tax, and possibly have enough cap space to become players this offseason all just sounds too convenient to be coincidental.

[campybatman]

The Bullets was a cool nickname for a franchise. It made one think of the western movies, if you like that genre.

However, with the negative connotation that's associated with the idea of bullets and firearms. You naturally imagine violence or war. So I can see how such a nickname can be bold in a more politically correct society in the US. I can't imagine "Bullets" would go over well with potential advertisers. But then, we live in a hypocritical society as well. See below...








Edit: Apparently, the Weapon line by Converse is still around. The Weapon Evo.

[campybatman]

We're told the Washington Wizards have told D.C. cops they have locker room surveillance video but are having trouble downloading it. The Geek Squad -- aka computer-savvy detectives -- are going to the Wizards organization today to help.

And get this -- a source connected with the investigation tells TMZ the Wizards have been "over cooperative" with cops -- as the source says, "almost as if they want Arenas to go down."

The source says "there is a better than 50/50 chance the U.S. Attorney will issue a felony arrest warrant against Arenas."

As for what caused the confrontation that allegedly triggered a gun standoff -- law enforcement tells TMZ it was all over a card game known as Bourré.

The NBA suspended Arenas indefinitely yesterday and, as we first reported, Arenas didn't have a license for the guns.

http://www.tmz.com/2010/01/07/arenas-gu ... oom-video/

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

We're told the Washington Wizards have told D.C. cops they have locker room surveillance video but are having trouble downloading it. The Geek Squad -- aka computer-savvy detectives -- are going to the Wizards organization today to help.

And get this -- a source connected with the investigation tells TMZ the Wizards have been "over cooperative" with cops -- as the source says, "almost as if they want Arenas to go down."

http://www.tmz.com/2010/01/07/arenas-gu ... oom-video/

What a joke of a franchise. Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.

[campybatman]

I read that Jamison really wants out...

Foye, Nick Young, JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche were fined $10,000 each for their participation in the finger run episode, as played a premeditated role, falling down when Arenas "shot" them.

"The joke wasn't meant to harm anyone, but at the same time it was wrong, period," said Blatche. "I was involved in it. I fell, and I took my consequences for it. I took the fine, which I had no problem with. What was wrong was wrong."

"We feel bad for the guys, but at the same time, we understand," said Foye. "You do something, there's always consequences. There's always karma, any type of way. I know they understand that. They're handling this as professionals, but you live and you learn from these situations. What don't kill you only makes you stronger."

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sport ... 71382.html

[campybatman]

Looks as if Arenas could be looking at serious consequences while Crittenton may get nothing but a slap on the wrist by the NBA.

Prosecutors and attorneys for Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas were in plea negotiations this week that could have Arenas in court on gun charges as soon as Thursday, according to law enforcement sources.

The two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because the talks are ongoing, stressed that the negotiations could collapse. In addition, no cases involving Arenas had been docketed in Superior Court by late Wednesday night. If the plea talks are not successful, a Superior Court grand jury would continue to hear evidence in the case.

If the grand jury were to charge Arenas, he likely would face charges of carrying a handgun without a license, which is a felony and punishable by up to five years behind bars. Because he has said he had four guns in the Verizon Center locker room, he could face up to 20 years in jail.

Prosecutors could bring their own charge of possessing an unregistered firearm, a misdemeanor that carries a 12-month sentence.

An NBA official, on condition of anonymity, said league investigators met with many of the team's players this week. Union attorneys, including Billy Hunter, the head of the players' union, sat in on the interviews. The official added the NBA wants to conclude its investigation, which could result in further penalties to Arenas and some of his teammates, in the next week.

While at least three players testified to league officials they witnessed Crittenton chamber a round in his own gun, there are differences in their accounts. That, plus lack of proof that Crittenton took a weapon to the locker room, make it difficult for the NBA to severely punish the reserve guard, the official said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 04260.html

[canman1971]

Arenas charged with a felony. What a moron.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/Wash ... rge-011410