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Arenas at one time owned 'hundreds of guns'

Jan 13, 2010, 2:00 PM EDT

112 Comments

Remember the scene in Tremors, when they go into Michael Gross’ basement and there’s a gigantic weapons arsenal there? Welcome to Gilbert Arenas’ house. At least that’s the way it used to look when he owned “hundreds of guns,” as he admitted to investigators recently in a probe into weapons charges against the Washington Wizards star. It’s unclear if Arenas still owns enough firepower to take the Falklands from the British, but he did at one time, according to WTOP radio in Washington D.C.
Meanwhile, TMZ is reporting that Arenas’ lawyers are discussing a plea deal in which Arenas would admit to misdemeanor gun charges. That could come as early as today.


Arenas said all of his guns were legally owned, and he moved most of them out of his house before the incident at the Verizon Center, where he is said to have left four of them in front of the locker of teammate Javaris Crittenton. Investigators are saying that the guns were left there following a dispute bertween the two players over a card game. Arenas was suspended indefinitely by the NBA last week. From WTOP:

The guns turned over to police include a so-called ‘Dirty Harry Revolver’ and a gold-plated Desert Eagle — which is so big and has such a powerful recoil — no law enforcement agency uses them.

From TMZ:

Our sources say Arenas’ lawyer and prosecutors are discussing a plea in which Arenas would cop to misdemeanor gun charges. We’re told a deal hasn’t been struck yet, but it could come as early as today.

Sources say the filing of charges would coincide with the plea, so it would all go down quickly. We do not know what they are discussing with respect to a sentence … the prosecutor would recommend a sentence but ultimately it’s the judge’s decision.

Meanwhile, Charles Barkley weighed in on Dan LaBatard’s Miami radio show:

“Should (Arenas) be penalized for doing something stupid? Of course, but I’m worried about the Wizards who are a horrible organization using this to save money. Gilbert Arenas did something really dumb and really stupid and I think David Stern, who is the best commissioner, has the right to suspend him but this notion that Gilbert Arenas should be kicked out of the league and lose 90 million dollars or be suspended for the whole year, I think it’s really easy for sportswriters to say that. Most of them are only making 50 to 100 thousand dollars per year. I think it’s really easy to give away somebody else’s 90 million dollars. Gilbert Arenas was wrong, but anybody who thinks this is a 90 million dollar penalty is an idiot and that goes for anybody.”

***
Gilbert Arenas Wants to Cop a Plea [TMZ]
Sources: Arenas owned several hundred guns [WTOP]

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  1. Chris - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:30 PM

    Andrew, The DE weighs in at 70 oz while the Dirty Harry (Smith & Wesson model 29) weighs in at 28 oz. The additional weight of the DE will soak up much of the recoil while the semi-auto action will absorb even more recoil. The DE will kick BUT it will not kick as much as a revolver. By our reasoning a Rem Modell 700 Mountain rifle would kick more than a M-1 Garand (both being chambered in 30-06). If you have shot both you know the answer to that statemet.

  2. Disabled Veteran - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:32 PM

    Hey, Charles Barkley —– Your input and comments about the Wizards organization is non-productive, AT BEST. Even if the Wizards take advantage of the situation and do, in fact, manage to void the Arenas contract entirely, who’s fault is that? In any other field (other than sports, apparently) that would be smart business; finding a way to get rid of non productive or minimally productive assets. But since the assets come in the shape of a “professional athlete”, the rules are different? I think not, Sir Charles. Your short sighted comments will be played ad nauseum if and when you ever choose to actually run for office. Your shallow thinking is exposed.

  3. Rey - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:38 PM

    Nick, YOU’RE looking at this the wrong way. People need to stop thinking that every job is the same – working as a professional basketball player has never been the same as working as a janitor at an office building, an engineer at a firm, or a teacher at a middle school. It never has been and it never will be. Was it stupid for Arenas to bring the guns to the arena? Yes, perhaps. Should he lose his job for it? No way!! I agree with Barkley all the way on this one. If Latrell Sprewell was able to CHOKE HIS COACH and NOT lose his contract, there’s no way on earth that Arenas should have his voided. The man made a mistake and will apparently be charged with a misdemeanor… he’ll pay for his mistake, serve a suspension that SHOULDN’T be more than the rest of the season and move on with his life.
    If I was a professional athlete, I’d carry guns frequently too. Think of how many athletes have been violently killed or robbed – Darrent Williams, Sean Taylor, Paul Pierce, Antoine Walker, etc. – it’s almost stupid NOT to have some sort of protection when you’re in that kind of lifestyle. It’s easy for someone that grew up in the suburbs to say that athletes shouldn’t need guns… but coming from someone that grew up around the hood and now lives in the suburbs – earning that much money brings a luxurious lifestyle, but it also brings danger and exposure to violence.
    And people… stop thinking that professional athletes’ sole purpose is to be perfect little role models for children! They are human just like you and I. If you were a halfway decent parent, your child would know not to base their whole existence on what an athlete does.

  4. ringofsilver - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:42 PM

    you are just ignorant. just because you work for nazi organization is any reason to try to force feed your ideals down our throats. just goose step back to work and shut up!

  5. Chris - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:43 PM

    Rick, If you are going to quote other sources it seems that you should still be sure about the info you are using. I’m glad to hear that you have a shooting range in your basement. We NRA types like to have new shooters around.

  6. MEC - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:44 PM

    Huh? “a cylinder twice the size of the ball”? You’ve apparently never even seen a real basketball or hoop up close.

  7. Ray Taylor - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:44 PM

    Jeez you urban idiots.You ever heard of the 2nd AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION? So damnn sick of the ant-gun hysteria hitting this nation with people like NYC Mayor “Bloomingfriggenidiot” If you don’t like the constitution of this nation LEAVE.

  8. Jeffroe in Frederick - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:46 PM

    Chris regardless of the recoil issue, the size and weight of the D/E would mitigate it from police useage, at least as an officially widely deployed weapon. I imagine the premise that it is too big to be handled effectively by a vast majority of people would have perhaps been a better way to describe it. I have fired a D/E in .50 cal. It is a monster. I have not fired a .44 S/W so I cannot make a comparison; but with the typical journalistic hyperbole aside, I believe the overall point that it is not typically used by law enforcement due to the overpowering nature of the weapon is valid.

  9. DANNYB007 - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:49 PM

    WHERE IS THE NRA?

  10. chirs - Jan 13, 2010 at 8:53 PM

    2nd!

  11. Ray Taylor - Jan 13, 2010 at 9:07 PM

    Finally a voice of reason.I agree with you S Toombs.The liberal news media is so anti-gun anymore I can’t stand it.I bet they wouldn’t be happy if we took their 1st Amendment rights away.They need to stop feeding the hysteria to take away our 2nd Amendment rights

  12. Anita - Jan 13, 2010 at 9:14 PM

    OMG! The race card?! Please! The man violated the terms of his employment agreement, period. Red, Yellow, Brown, Black, White, Tan, stuip is not racist.

  13. Ray Taylor - Jan 13, 2010 at 9:15 PM

    Nathan making a statement like that doesn’t make you a criminal but it does make you a moron.How many guns a person LEGALLY owns is none of your business.I own lots of guns too and if somebody broke into my house I don’t think I’d have any problems finding the appropriate weapon in a short period of time.

  14. Anita - Jan 13, 2010 at 9:17 PM

    OMG! The race card?! Please! The man violated the terms of his employment agreement, period. Red, Yellow, Brown, Black, White, Tan, “stupid” is not racist we are all victims!

  15. Ray Taylor - Jan 13, 2010 at 9:21 PM

    As a parent and a concerned citizen if you don’t like people carrying legally owned and possessed firearms ie Concealed weapons License I suggest you move to Russia

  16. Michael-USAF - Jan 13, 2010 at 9:23 PM

    I am just amazed at how many people think this type of crap is actually important in the big scheme of things. The whole sports industry is a disgrace, they pay these demigods millions and they end up taking steriods, getting involved in drugs, and other criminal acts….and since we put them on pedestals….they are untouched. Real heros…!
    90 Million$$$$, to run up and down a court and shoot the rock. Amazing. As long as the sheeple want to pay 200.00 for seats….I guess its ok!!!
    I wonder how many of these demigods will pledge any of their millions to help those in Haiti. The American Red Cross could use the help.

  17. JCL03 - Jan 13, 2010 at 9:23 PM

    There is no way he should banned for life from his job. All you peole that think that are ridiculous. Would you get banned for life from your job if you bought guns to work? I think not. I agree he was wrong and should be punished…heavily punished, but that is too extreme. You say he should shut the heck up, why don’t you do the same?

  18. golfhawg - Jan 13, 2010 at 11:53 PM

    we all know he just got done watchin 25 cent on the plazma for he headed to the arena and felt all thugged out and wanted to pull a 187 on a &%#g@!! give em all guns and let em shoot it out.

  19. Rick Chandler - Jan 14, 2010 at 5:39 AM

    Thanks for reading. And good luck with the beet farm.

  20. jtony - Jan 14, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    For those that have nothing and never amount to nothing will always try and take away what someone has. Hmmmm jealousy? Lets look at this: He 1. didnt kill anyone 2. guns weren’t loaded. 3. didn’t have criminal intend. However,had he done anything more severe then yes such appropriated steps would and should be taken. For the examples of others that have had gun related charges more serious and got a few games suspension. Then why are you wanting this guy thrown out of the league for far less of an offense? I don’t believe Gilbert has any other major/felony and numberous run-ins with the law. So taking those things in account like any other person. The circumstances, possibly first occurence of this magnitude, remorse, etc. would warrant a consideration of a plea bargain. If there was more to this then obviously the story would be different and he’d be facing serious time, and/or out the league. SO get over it! Furthermore, nothing wrong with owning a
    hundred guns. Take your gripe to the NRA, it doesn’t make you a criminal or criminal minded. He may not known where he could have a gun in possession by carrying(in a bag) or concealed. But sad on his part for not checking.

  21. Got to.... - Jan 14, 2010 at 9:58 AM

    Sorry but got to call you on that post “Michael USAF! Yeah, sports figures, actor, CEO alike making millions. Only a few contribute to a good cause, but you know you can’t expect for them to do that on all the locally and worldly causes, but would be nice. But I ask what are you doing about Haiti? How noble are you being? From the looks the military isn’t fairing much better in the eyes of doing right when in the word of protection hundreds of thousands of innocent people are killed and displaced.

  22. Tim - Jan 14, 2010 at 10:24 AM

    In regards to daniel’s concealed carry comment, I suggest you not leave your house. I can probably guesstimate for a fact that at least one person that you see in a day (no matter where you live) is carrying a concealed firearm – either legally or illegally.

  23. The Loon - Jan 14, 2010 at 4:38 PM

    Blah, blah, blah, the tired old, ‘if I did XXX at my job, I’d be fired’ argument. Look, no one is paying $100 per seat to see you work so get over yourselves. You’re not privileged, you’re not talented, you most likely have an AA or a Bachelor’s from Bobileu State University so, you don’ matter. It’s YOU that is out of touch, not Charles Barkley.

  24. StMiller - Jan 14, 2010 at 4:59 PM

    What?! It’s the Wizards job to tell him to shutup? Why is it not his job to shut himself up? And to say that if he had known how much trouble he would get into then he wouldn’t have done it is silly. Consider this…Ignorance is no excuse in the eyes of the law for one. Two, you get arrested and see if a cop will accept it when you say “Sorry officer, I didn’t realize that driving drunk was going to get me in to that much trouble.”
    He should be fired plain and simple.

  25. allinthexring - Jan 14, 2010 at 5:45 PM

    Think he’ll get off, do you ? Of course he will. Anyone remember the Ravens’ Ray Lewis incident in Florida where someone died ??? Funny, I think Lewis is till making his 90 million or more. In a society where the inarticulate, uneducated ball bouncing thug has a higher income than a Firefighter or Policeman what do you expect ? What a role model, huh ?
    As usual, it isn’t the gun(s); it’s the moron. Who else would think they could take a handgun into DC ? Oh well, it’s difficult to find out about things like that when you can’t read, speak or communicate in the English language.

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