NBA Teammates Draw Down On Each Other In Locker Room

Two members of the Washington Wizards, Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton drew guns on each other during a Christmas Eve locker room argument over a gambling debt. It had already been reported previously that Arenas kept a gun in his locker, albeit unloaded. One can only assume that both he and Crittenton slipped a clip into their guns before drawing them.

The Wizards had announced on Christmas Day that Gilbert Arenas had admitted to bringing guns to the locker room, but unloaded. The press release also stated that Arenas had turned his weapons over to team security. The NBA club's prior statement didn't disclose how Wizards officials discovered that Arenas was storing weapons in his locker. It now seems apparent how they did so.

In the incident, Crittenton was upset because Arenas, a veteran and former All-Star guard refused to make good on a gambling debt. "I'm not your punk!" Crittenton reportedly shouted at Arenas. Arenas then drew on Crittenton, who then also grabbed his own gun.

It is truly ironic. The late Abe Pollin, who had been team owner of the Wizards, changed the club from the Bullets to the Wizards in 1997 because he didn't like the violent tone of the original name. Abe Pollin died in November.

Seemingly, this is just an extension of the privileged mentality that celebrities. politicians, and sports figures seem to believe they have. One need only look at their actions to see that they feel this have rights that extend beyond those of others. It also seems that because they are coddled throughout their lives, many of them do not learn how to interact socially in a civilized manner.

The NBA, Washington, D.C., and federal authorities are now looking into the Christmas Eve incident. As the word "gambling" has been associated with the incident, there may be serious repercussions from the feds. They have been investigating gambling within the NBA since disgraced ex-referee Tim Donaghy admitted betting on games and leaking information to bookies.