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NBA suspends Arenas over guns row
Source: Agencies |
January 8, 2010, Friday
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WASHINGTON Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was suspended by the NBA indefinitely on Wednesday pending investigation into an incident in which he took guns into the team's changing room.
"Although it is clear that the actions of Mr Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game," NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement.
"Accordingly, I am suspending Mr Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA," he added.
The three-time All-Star met with federal prosecutors on Monday to explain why he took several weapons into the locker room. Arenas said the weapons were unloaded and he has yet to face charges.
Arenas issued a statement through his lawyers saying he understood the suspension and had apologized to Stern personally.
"I feel very badly that my actions have caused the NBA to suspend me, but I understand why the league took this action," the statement read.
"I put the NBA in a negative light and let down my team mates and our fans. I am very sorry for doing that.
"While I never intended any harm or disrespect to the NBA or anyone else, my gun possession at the Verizon Center and my attempts at humor showed terrible judgment. I take full responsibility for my conduct.
"Earlier today, I called Commissioner Stern to apologize, and I hope we will be able to talk soon. I look forward to the day I can return to basketball.
"In the meantime, I will focus on dealing responsibly with this serious situation and I will continue to cooperate fully with the investigations by law enforcement and NBA authorities."
The player came in for media criticism for his behavior in Tuesday's game at Philadelphia in which he appeared to make a gun sign with his fingers during the warm-up and commented on the incident on twitter.
"Although it is clear that the actions of Mr Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game," NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement.
"Accordingly, I am suspending Mr Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA," he added.
The three-time All-Star met with federal prosecutors on Monday to explain why he took several weapons into the locker room. Arenas said the weapons were unloaded and he has yet to face charges.
Arenas issued a statement through his lawyers saying he understood the suspension and had apologized to Stern personally.
"I feel very badly that my actions have caused the NBA to suspend me, but I understand why the league took this action," the statement read.
"I put the NBA in a negative light and let down my team mates and our fans. I am very sorry for doing that.
"While I never intended any harm or disrespect to the NBA or anyone else, my gun possession at the Verizon Center and my attempts at humor showed terrible judgment. I take full responsibility for my conduct.
"Earlier today, I called Commissioner Stern to apologize, and I hope we will be able to talk soon. I look forward to the day I can return to basketball.
"In the meantime, I will focus on dealing responsibly with this serious situation and I will continue to cooperate fully with the investigations by law enforcement and NBA authorities."
The player came in for media criticism for his behavior in Tuesday's game at Philadelphia in which he appeared to make a gun sign with his fingers during the warm-up and commented on the incident on twitter.
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