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Read Full BioESPN’s Stephen A. Smith sent a warning to Gilbert Arenas over the weekend to take his arrest on illegal gambling charges seriously, as the former NBA player has made light of the situation.
Arenas was arrested last week on three federal charges that each carry a potential prison sentence of five years.
Accused of allowing high-stakes poker games to be held at his Los Angeles mansion, Arenas is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, as well as making false statements to federal investigators.
Smith Strongly Responds To Arenas’ Jokes
Arenas joked on a livestream last week that everybody Smith knows is going to jail. Arenas seemed unperturbed by the severity of his situation ahead of his initial court hearing last week.
Arenas laughed on the livestream: “Stephen A, man. We gotta talk, brother! Because it ain’t a damn coincidence that everybody you know going to jail! Hey, Stephen. Everybody, man…Y’all see that?”
In addition to Arenas, fellow First Take contributor Marcus Morris was arrested last week on a fraud charge related to checks he wrote for debts at Las Vegas casinos.
Arenas continued: “Stephen, you know how to pick ‘em, man. I’m gonna just be honest. It’s like the Madden curse!”
Smith responded to Arenas on his podcast streamed on YouTube this past weekend, urging Arenas to stop joking around.
“I need you not to play around,” Smith said. “My brother, I don’t want to see you in jail. At all. It’s not a good look. It’s nothing to laugh about, it’s nothing to joke around and think it’s funny when the feds come raiding your home. I don’t want to see that. I don’t want to hear about anything like that.”
Smith: Arenas Risking Career as Legitimate Sports Media Personality
Arenas has appeared frequently on First Take, the sports show hosted by Smith on ESPN. The former Washington Wizard has also gained popularity through his own shows streamed online and his podcast Gil’s Arena, which is sponsored by DFS and sports betting operator Underdog.
Smith warned Arenas that he risks losing the legitimate career he’s built by not taking the charges seriously.
“I can assure you anyone who wants to do business with you, and I’m one of those people, ESPN, Underdog, a whole bunch of sponsors and advertisers, we don’t want to see that.”
Smith noted the qualities Arenas brings as a commentator: “Anybody that knows anything about you and your knowledge of the game and your ability to articulate and deliver your positions, my brother, you are a special talent.”
Arenas Plans on ‘Snitching’ Before Serving Time
In another livestream released after his arrest, Arenas stated that he has no issues with snitching to preserve his freedom.
Arenas said: “Ain’t nothing wrong with snitching, man. It ain’t nothing wrong with just telling, man.”
In the same livestream, Arenas was seen again joking around and smiling, which Smith took issue with.
Smith reminded the 3-time NBA All-Star: “I’m not here to denigrate or disrespect you. I’m here to tell you because I care, stop messing around. Stop with the jokes. I’m not talking about me. I’m talking about you being seen on camera laughing and giggling and smiling like federal charges ain’t a big deal. It’s a big deal!”
Arenas was released on $50,000 bail and is due back in court at the end of September.
