04/20/24
September 23, 2010
Stern Tells Arenas Not to Discuss Gun Conviction: NBA commissioner David Stern has advised Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards not to talk about the former All-Star's felony conviction for bringing four guns to the team's locker room in December after an argument with a teammate. "The commissioner spoke to Gilbert," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. "His message was: 'You've paid your price, you're back in good standing, and don't feel obligated to talk about the past.'"
posted by rcade to basketball at 12:03 PM - 8 comments
While Arenas has paid his debt to society and apparently now to the NBA as well, it doesn't mean that he has fulfilled his status as a role model. The only way someone with Arenas' past could now fulfill that final role is to explain to people why he is a better person now than he was before it happened. I am not saying he needs to start off every conversation or public appearance with "Hello my name is Gilbert and I am gun touting douche bag", but if someone does ask him about it in the proper setting (i.e. an interview or public appearance) then I do think he is obligated to discuss this part of his past.
While Stern may want to protect the league's image by telling Arenas to keep his mouth shut on this issue, I don't think that is the path that Arenas should be going down. Athletes are role models whether the athletes or the public like it or not, it is just the way that society has evolved. I still maintain that it is up to parents to play a role, but society has put athletes on a pedestal and I don't see them coming down. All Stern is doing is trying to minimize the number of times this incident shows up in the media by removing one source of the information (Arenas).
posted by Demophon at 12:54 PM on September 23, 2010
Stern really cloaks himself in honor with that comment. Keep on buying those Arenas jerseys, kids! Surely there isn't anything a star athlete could say to kids in DC about the folly of guns.
posted by rcade at 01:06 PM on September 23, 2010
I think it is a nice out for Arenas. Stern took it upon himself to stop the questions, so now Arenas doesn't have to say a million times that he doesn't want to talk about it. Now, Stern (instead of Arenas) is the bad guy, and that's good for the NBA.
I don't think Arenas should talk to kids. He is a terrible role model. He has made poor decisions repeatedly. Yet, he is making gadzillions of dollars anyway. Kids are smart. They are not only going to take the words coming out of his mouth. They will look at the reality of his life.
posted by bperk at 01:24 PM on September 23, 2010
This article still encompasses my feelings about the situation. Gilbert Arenas got crucified for making a dumb joke.
posted by Bonkers at 04:12 AM on September 24, 2010
Now, Stern (instead of Arenas) is the bad guy, and that's good for the NBA.
If Stern believes it's his job to shield players from the consequences of their mistakes, it will lead to a culture in which players feel bulletproof and make larger mistakes. Look at how the Oklahoma Sooners players behaved under Barry Switzer.
posted by rcade at 06:52 AM on September 24, 2010
Arenas was already punished, and pretty severely at that. Stern just doesn't want this story to drag out for the whole season.
posted by bperk at 07:16 AM on September 24, 2010
If Stern believes it's his job to shield players from the consequences of their mistakes, it will lead to a culture in which players feel bulletproof and make larger mistakes.
Does Stern seem like the kind of guy who shields players? And weren't the consequences of the mistake a potential jail term and a season's suspension without pay? What else is required?
I think Stern is giving good advice here. He did the crime, he did the time now don't keep addressing it and maintaining it as legacy.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 06:22 PM on September 24, 2010
Doesn't mean that it's not gonna be brought up though.