NBA: 2009 Season Discussion Thread **Playoffs (page 6)**
11-09-2009, 07:58 AM
#81
Team Owner
And now Thomas is out a month.
Good win by the Heat the other day against Denver. Who would've thought that Quentin Richardson would be our best defender. I thought he was just a 3 point chucker.
Good win by the Heat the other day against Denver. Who would've thought that Quentin Richardson would be our best defender. I thought he was just a 3 point chucker.
11-14-2009, 03:16 PM
#83
^^Wasn't the site down yesterday? The whole AZ was quiet....
Anyways, I said they'd lose (not here but on a basketball board). Denver had revenge on their mind, and IMO Phil Jackson played the Phoenix game to lose Denvers. He played Kobe and Bynum when the Lakers were up by 20. No use fighting over 1 game in November. Denver wouldn't beat the Lakers over a 7 game series, they just can't sustain that sort of effort and attention over a longer series.
It is what it is, but in reality, its all about the bigger picture. Thats why even though I hate the Celtics, I know its not a big deal for them to lose a game to the hawks. Nothing to crow about. Probably good losses for both the Cs and the Lakers.
Anyways, I said they'd lose (not here but on a basketball board). Denver had revenge on their mind, and IMO Phil Jackson played the Phoenix game to lose Denvers. He played Kobe and Bynum when the Lakers were up by 20. No use fighting over 1 game in November. Denver wouldn't beat the Lakers over a 7 game series, they just can't sustain that sort of effort and attention over a longer series.
It is what it is, but in reality, its all about the bigger picture. Thats why even though I hate the Celtics, I know its not a big deal for them to lose a game to the hawks. Nothing to crow about. Probably good losses for both the Cs and the Lakers.
Last edited by CarbonGray Earl; 11-14-2009 at 03:19 PM.
11-15-2009, 02:25 AM
#84
My Garage not
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brandon jennings dropped a double nickel...unreal. even against the warriors it's still insane to see a skinny little guard do this as a rookie. i wonder how much europe helped him or what it would have been like if he never went.
11-15-2009, 02:35 AM
#85
^^Holy mother Brandon Jennings....ROY for sure.
I also think that Europe probably helped him immensely, at least attitude wise. Euro ball is less talented, but more structured. Having to fit in, and in essence, hold your game back shows alot of character. Can't say that about alot of guys.
I also think that Europe probably helped him immensely, at least attitude wise. Euro ball is less talented, but more structured. Having to fit in, and in essence, hold your game back shows alot of character. Can't say that about alot of guys.
Last edited by CarbonGray Earl; 11-15-2009 at 02:40 AM.
12-02-2009, 10:39 PM
#88
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Artest Drank During Games...
I'm shocked.
From CNNSI...
From CNNSI...
Ron Artest, the 30-year-old, first-year starter with the Los Angeles Lakers, may yet prove to be a crucial piece of an improved championship puzzle. But those who are counting on one of the league's most explosive personalities to avoid controversy with his fifth NBA team may want to temper their expectations. "I used to drink Hennessy ... at halftime," Artest says in the interview, which hits newsstands this week. "I (kept it) in my locker. I'd just walk to the liquor store (near the stadium) and get it." Previously, Artest hid any use of alcohol and marijuana well, according to his former coach at St. John's, Fran Fraschilla. "It's a surprise because every day at practice, he came out in a mood to play. He came out in a basketball rage," said Fraschilla, now an analyst for ESPN. "He was fully committed; he wanted to let our upperclassmen know that he was the alpha male.
12-04-2009, 07:03 AM
#90
What Would Don Draper Do?
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12-05-2009, 06:37 AM
#92
failhard.
Not a fan of the Lakers, but I gotta give credit where it's due. 
@ Kobe's game-winner.
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@ Kobe's game-winner.<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QmgSkK5c6RM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QmgSkK5c6RM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
12-06-2009, 11:06 AM
#94
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Blazers' Oden Out for Season
Wow...this guy has no luck.
From Daily Herald...
From Daily Herald...
Portland center Greg Oden will likely miss the rest of the season after fracturing his left knee cap Saturday night in the Trail Blazers' victory over the Houston Rockets.
"He's a strong kid," said general manager Kevin Pritchard, visibly shaken by the latest injury to befall the 7-foot center. "He's going to bounce back from this."
Oden dropped to the floor clutching his left knee and grimacing after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks midway through the first quarter.
Oden was almost immediately surrounded by trainers and physicians. The crowd at the Rose Garden stood and chanted "Oden! Oden!"
The game was stopped for some 7 minutes. Finally, Oden was gently moved to a stretcher and wheeled from the court. He underwent an MRI shortly thereafter.
The Blazers said Oden will need surgery. A timetable for his return was not immediately set.
"I'm obviously disappointed having worked so hard to get to where I was. This is a setback but I'll be back. It's in God's hands now," Oden said in a statement released by the team. "I want to thank the fans, my teammates and everyone in the Blazers family for all of their good thoughts."
Oden, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA draft out of Ohio State, has been plagued by injures his entire NBA career.
The 7-footer missed rookie season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. Last season, Oden sat out six games after injuring his right foot in the season opener against the Lakers, then missed 14 games after the All-Star break with a bone chip in his left knee. He finished the season averaging 8.9 points and 7 rebounds.
Oden lost weight during the offseason and was averaging 11.7 points and 8.8 rebounds this season as a starter.
"I thought he was the most consistent player this short season," coach Nate McMillan said. "For him to go through this -- it's just unfortunate for him because he worked so hard."
Blazers guard Brandon Roy said Oden spoke to the team at halftime, after he had learned of the diagnosis.
"He told us to keep fighting," Roy said. "He feels like he's letting us down."
Portland went on to edge the Rockets 90-89, snapping a three-game losing streak. But Oden's injury felt like a "punch in the gut," Pritchard said.
The Blazers have been beset by injuries. Starting forward Nicolas Batum needed shoulder surgery just before the opener. Fellow forward Travis Outlaw fractured his foot in mid-November and required surgery.
Forward Rudy Fernandez was out of Saturday night's game with sciatic pain and set to undergo an MRI. It was uncertain if he would be with the team on an upcoming four-game trip starting with the Knicks on Monday night.
Even McMillan was set to undergo surgery Monday after rupturing his right Achilles' tendon during practice.
The coach was participating in practice because the team is so short-handed. He will miss the team's upcoming road trip, replaced by assistant coach Dean Demopoulos.
"He's a strong kid," said general manager Kevin Pritchard, visibly shaken by the latest injury to befall the 7-foot center. "He's going to bounce back from this."
Oden dropped to the floor clutching his left knee and grimacing after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks midway through the first quarter.
Oden was almost immediately surrounded by trainers and physicians. The crowd at the Rose Garden stood and chanted "Oden! Oden!"
The game was stopped for some 7 minutes. Finally, Oden was gently moved to a stretcher and wheeled from the court. He underwent an MRI shortly thereafter.
The Blazers said Oden will need surgery. A timetable for his return was not immediately set.
"I'm obviously disappointed having worked so hard to get to where I was. This is a setback but I'll be back. It's in God's hands now," Oden said in a statement released by the team. "I want to thank the fans, my teammates and everyone in the Blazers family for all of their good thoughts."
Oden, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA draft out of Ohio State, has been plagued by injures his entire NBA career.
The 7-footer missed rookie season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. Last season, Oden sat out six games after injuring his right foot in the season opener against the Lakers, then missed 14 games after the All-Star break with a bone chip in his left knee. He finished the season averaging 8.9 points and 7 rebounds.
Oden lost weight during the offseason and was averaging 11.7 points and 8.8 rebounds this season as a starter.
"I thought he was the most consistent player this short season," coach Nate McMillan said. "For him to go through this -- it's just unfortunate for him because he worked so hard."
Blazers guard Brandon Roy said Oden spoke to the team at halftime, after he had learned of the diagnosis.
"He told us to keep fighting," Roy said. "He feels like he's letting us down."
Portland went on to edge the Rockets 90-89, snapping a three-game losing streak. But Oden's injury felt like a "punch in the gut," Pritchard said.
The Blazers have been beset by injuries. Starting forward Nicolas Batum needed shoulder surgery just before the opener. Fellow forward Travis Outlaw fractured his foot in mid-November and required surgery.
Forward Rudy Fernandez was out of Saturday night's game with sciatic pain and set to undergo an MRI. It was uncertain if he would be with the team on an upcoming four-game trip starting with the Knicks on Monday night.
Even McMillan was set to undergo surgery Monday after rupturing his right Achilles' tendon during practice.
The coach was participating in practice because the team is so short-handed. He will miss the team's upcoming road trip, replaced by assistant coach Dean Demopoulos.
12-06-2009, 03:59 PM
#96
Senior Moderator
He's back where he belongs. Just as Kobe epitomizes the flash of LA, AI epitomizes the grit of Philly. I hate the fact that he's back mostly because I'm a Knicks fan. 
Hopefully, the Nets will continue to keep us out of the basement.
Hopefully, the Nets will continue to keep us out of the basement.
12-08-2009, 08:08 AM
#101
Senior Moderator
...figured that would only happen this season if the Knicks moved to the Big East conference. 
12-08-2009, 11:49 PM
#102
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Wow. Did Da Bulls really just lose to the Nets...? Really...? 
12-09-2009, 06:27 AM
#103
Senior Moderator
They'll wind up as one of fifteen teams to have lost to the Nets this season. 
12-09-2009, 09:28 AM
#104
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Still have the bad taste from last night's loss...WTF.
12-10-2009, 11:22 AM
#105
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
It's official: Chicago Horri-Bulls.
Hawks spanked them up and down the court yesterday...
Hawks spanked them up and down the court yesterday...
12-11-2009, 01:35 AM
#106
failhard.
When the Jazz play at home, you can't help but get sucked into the atmosphere there. That place is LOUD! Especially when they came back tonight from a 17-point deficit in the first to win it by 8 against the Magic. I damn near lost my voice. 
12-13-2009, 01:57 AM
#107
mmmmmm....
alright...
Lebron for Wade and Dampier? yah or nah?
My friend just offered me Wade and Dampier for Lebron straight up. I can definitely use some rebound from Dampier. I am 3rd in rebounding, but Dampier is been hot past week. He had 12 pts, 18 reb, and 3 blks tonight.... Wade, you know how he is... sick! but his fg % is pretty bad though.
Lebron for Wade and Dampier? yah or nah?
My friend just offered me Wade and Dampier for Lebron straight up. I can definitely use some rebound from Dampier. I am 3rd in rebounding, but Dampier is been hot past week. He had 12 pts, 18 reb, and 3 blks tonight.... Wade, you know how he is... sick! but his fg % is pretty bad though.
12-16-2009, 04:14 PM
#108
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
How's your scoring overall...? If you're okay...and you need the rebounds, sure.
12-22-2009, 11:35 PM
#109
And now this:
http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/12/2...przybilla-goes
This just in from the Blazers via text message...
Joel Przybilla suffered a ruptured right patella tendon and patella dislocation... He is out indefinitely.
Joel Przybilla suffered a ruptured right patella tendon and patella dislocation... He is out indefinitely.
12-25-2009, 03:20 AM
#112
Keeping emos out of
Arenas is target of weapons probe by NBA
By Mike Jones
Washington Wizards starting point guard Gilbert Arenas is being investigated by the NBA and his team for possibly violating league rules in regard to weapons possession.
News of the investigation was first reported by CBSSports.com on Thursday afternoon. Later on Christmas Eve, the Wizards and Arenas released statements on the matter.
"The Washington Wizards have learned that Gilbert Arenas stored firearms in a locked container in his locker, unloaded and without ammunition," the Wizards' statement read. "The Wizards organization and Arenas promptly notified the local authorities and the NBA and are cooperating fully with law enforcement during its review of this matter and will have no further comment at this time."
In a phone interview with The Washington Times, Arenas said he had guns at his home, but following the Dec. 9 birth of his third child, daughter Hamiley Penny, he decided he didn't want the weapons anywhere his children could get to them. So on Dec. 10, Arenas brought them to Verizon Center, where he stored them in his lockbox until he could figure out what to do with them. A week later, he turned the guns over to team security and asked that they be turned over to the D.C. police.
What a knucklehead, he couldn't think of anyplace to put the guns other than bringing them to work? Hey multimillionaire, how about buying yourself a gun safe? 
"I wouldn't have brought them to D.C. had I known the rules," Arenas said. "After my daughter was born, I was just like, I don't need these anymore. I don't want them around the kids. We are working with the league and the authorities."
Arenas does not face any criminal charges in the incident. He missed the season opener in 2004-05 after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor for possessing a concealed weapon and driving without a license in 2003.
The NBA permits players to have guns but does not allow them on league property or during league business. He could faced a fine or suspension from the league, but no ruling had been made as of Thursday evening.
The most recent case of an NBA player violating weapons policy and receiving punishment came in 2006 when Sebastian Telfair - then a member of the Portland Trail Blazers - was fined an undisclosed amount of money after a loaded handgun that was registered under his girlfriend's name was found on the team plane at Boston's Logan International Airport.
Cleveland's Delonte West is facing weapons charges after being arrested in Upper Marlboro in September and indicted on two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a handgun, two counts of transporting a handgun, a count of reckless driving and a count of negligent driving. West's case is still pending.
Arenas is working his way back from an injury-plagued two years in which he underwent three knee surgeries. He has played in all 27 of the Wizards' games this season, averaging 22.2 points and 6.9 assists.
By Mike Jones
Washington Wizards starting point guard Gilbert Arenas is being investigated by the NBA and his team for possibly violating league rules in regard to weapons possession.
News of the investigation was first reported by CBSSports.com on Thursday afternoon. Later on Christmas Eve, the Wizards and Arenas released statements on the matter.
"The Washington Wizards have learned that Gilbert Arenas stored firearms in a locked container in his locker, unloaded and without ammunition," the Wizards' statement read. "The Wizards organization and Arenas promptly notified the local authorities and the NBA and are cooperating fully with law enforcement during its review of this matter and will have no further comment at this time."
In a phone interview with The Washington Times, Arenas said he had guns at his home, but following the Dec. 9 birth of his third child, daughter Hamiley Penny, he decided he didn't want the weapons anywhere his children could get to them. So on Dec. 10, Arenas brought them to Verizon Center, where he stored them in his lockbox until he could figure out what to do with them. A week later, he turned the guns over to team security and asked that they be turned over to the D.C. police.
What a knucklehead, he couldn't think of anyplace to put the guns other than bringing them to work? Hey multimillionaire, how about buying yourself a gun safe? "I wouldn't have brought them to D.C. had I known the rules," Arenas said. "After my daughter was born, I was just like, I don't need these anymore. I don't want them around the kids. We are working with the league and the authorities."
Arenas does not face any criminal charges in the incident. He missed the season opener in 2004-05 after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor for possessing a concealed weapon and driving without a license in 2003.
The NBA permits players to have guns but does not allow them on league property or during league business. He could faced a fine or suspension from the league, but no ruling had been made as of Thursday evening.
The most recent case of an NBA player violating weapons policy and receiving punishment came in 2006 when Sebastian Telfair - then a member of the Portland Trail Blazers - was fined an undisclosed amount of money after a loaded handgun that was registered under his girlfriend's name was found on the team plane at Boston's Logan International Airport.
Cleveland's Delonte West is facing weapons charges after being arrested in Upper Marlboro in September and indicted on two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a handgun, two counts of transporting a handgun, a count of reckless driving and a count of negligent driving. West's case is still pending.
Arenas is working his way back from an injury-plagued two years in which he underwent three knee surgeries. He has played in all 27 of the Wizards' games this season, averaging 22.2 points and 6.9 assists.
01-02-2010, 09:07 AM
#114
Keeping emos out of
I knew that there was more to it than Arenas trying to hide at work instead of his home.
NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas and his Washington Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton drew guns on each other in the team's locker room during a Christmas Eve dispute over a gambling debt, The Post has learned.
It was the three-time all-star Arenas, 27, who went for his gun first, sources said, drawing on the 22-year-old Crittenton, who quickly brandished a firearm as well.
The duel in DC — unprecedented in sports history — was sparked when Crittenton became enraged at the veteran guard for refusing to make good on a gambling debt, a source said.
"I'm not your punk!" Crittenton shouted at Arenas, according to a league source close to the Wizards.
That prompted Arenas to draw on Crittenton, who then also grabbed for a gun, league security sources said.
A playground pal of Crittenton's from Atlanta, Kendrick "Bookie Ball" Long, confirmed the locker-room standoff and said he learned of it directly from the third-year player out of Georgia Tech.
"He [Arenas] was fucking with him; he [Crittenton] was just defending himself!" declared Long, who said the dispute was over money but would not elaborate….
Wizards General Manager Ernie Grunfeld declined to comment. "It's in the hands of [Washington] authorities," said Grunfeld, a former star Knicks player and president. "We're going to get to the bottom of this, if there is a bottom to this…"
A top players-union official said he was shocked by the allegations. "This is unprecedented in the history of sports," said Player's Association Executive Director Billy Hunter. "I've never heard of players pulling guns on each other in a locker room."
NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas and his Washington Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton drew guns on each other in the team's locker room during a Christmas Eve dispute over a gambling debt, The Post has learned.
It was the three-time all-star Arenas, 27, who went for his gun first, sources said, drawing on the 22-year-old Crittenton, who quickly brandished a firearm as well.
The duel in DC — unprecedented in sports history — was sparked when Crittenton became enraged at the veteran guard for refusing to make good on a gambling debt, a source said.
"I'm not your punk!" Crittenton shouted at Arenas, according to a league source close to the Wizards.
That prompted Arenas to draw on Crittenton, who then also grabbed for a gun, league security sources said.
A playground pal of Crittenton's from Atlanta, Kendrick "Bookie Ball" Long, confirmed the locker-room standoff and said he learned of it directly from the third-year player out of Georgia Tech.
"He [Arenas] was fucking with him; he [Crittenton] was just defending himself!" declared Long, who said the dispute was over money but would not elaborate….
Wizards General Manager Ernie Grunfeld declined to comment. "It's in the hands of [Washington] authorities," said Grunfeld, a former star Knicks player and president. "We're going to get to the bottom of this, if there is a bottom to this…"
A top players-union official said he was shocked by the allegations. "This is unprecedented in the history of sports," said Player's Association Executive Director Billy Hunter. "I've never heard of players pulling guns on each other in a locker room."
01-02-2010, 02:20 PM
#116
I ♡ PEK PEK
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As much as I love seeing the Mamba's heroics, I am disappointed in the way the Lakers have been playing.
C'mon Bynum! Show some initiative! Get more than 4 rebounds, please!
C'mon Bynum! Show some initiative! Get more than 4 rebounds, please!
01-02-2010, 06:45 PM
#117
Senior Moderator
01-03-2010, 12:02 AM
#118
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I'm holding my breath on Arenas. I have a hard time believing the guns drawn john wayne story ever happened. we'll see. still stupid to pull them out, even if a joke.
YA THINK!?!
01-06-2010, 07:30 PM
#120
Gilbert Arenas indefinitely suspended by NBA
NEW YORK (AP)—Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas(notes) was suspended without pay by NBA commissioner David Stern on Wednesday for behavior that made him “not currently fit to take the court.”
A day after Arenas was photographed before a game in Philadelphia pointing his index fingers, as if they were guns, at his teammates, Stern warned the three-time All-Star that his conduct will “ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse.”
Arenas is under investigation by federal and local authorities after admitting to bringing guns to the locker room. Stern originally planned to wait to take action, but he tired of Arenas’ behavior.
With each game he misses, Arenas will lose about $147,200 of the $16.2 million he will earn this season in the second of a six-year, $111 million contract. The punishment came on his 28th birthday.
“I feel very badly that my actions have caused the NBA to suspend me, but I understand why the league took this action,” Arenas said in a statement through his attorney. “I put the NBA in a negative light and let down my teammates and our fans. I am very sorry for doing that.”
Arenas added that he had called Stern to apologize.
“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,” he said. “I take full responsibility for my conduct.”
Arenas originally said he brought four guns to the Verizon Center because he wanted them out of his house after his daughter was born. But two officials within the league who have been briefed on the investigation have told The Associated Press that the incident stemmed from a dispute over card-playing gambling debts and a heated discussion in the locker room with teammate Javaris Crittenton(notes). The New York Post, however, reported that the two teammates drew weapons on each other.
Arenas said in a statement on Monday that he took unloaded guns from his locker in a “misguided effort to play a joke” on a teammate.
“Joke or not, I now recognize that what I did was a mistake and was wrong,” Arenas said. “I should not have brought the guns to DC in the first place, and I now realize that there’s no such thing as joking around when it comes to guns—even if unloaded.”
Stern said members of the Wizards organization are still being interviewed by law enforcement authorities.
“Some are scheduled for appearance before the grand jury and the investigation is proceeding with the intensity that one would expect for such a serious incident,” Stern said.
A Wizards spokesman said Arenas left the team, which is playing in Cleveland, earlier Wednesday but didn’t know where he was going.
“It’s sad,” Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson(notes) said. “You don’t want to see a player go down like that. We’re a family, and it hurts.”
The Wizards supported Stern’s decision in a statement attributed to president Ernie Grunfeld and the Pollin family, which owns the team. The late Abe Pollin changed the team’s name from the Bullets because of the violent connotation.
“Strictly legal issues aside, Gilbert’s recent behavior and statements, including his actions and statements last night in Philadelphia, are unacceptable,” the statement said. “Some of our other players appeared to find Gilbert’s behavior in Philadelphia amusing. This is also unacceptable.”
AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich and Joseph White in Washington, an AP freelance writer Jason Lloyd in Cleveland contributed to this report.
A day after Arenas was photographed before a game in Philadelphia pointing his index fingers, as if they were guns, at his teammates, Stern warned the three-time All-Star that his conduct will “ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse.”
Arenas is under investigation by federal and local authorities after admitting to bringing guns to the locker room. Stern originally planned to wait to take action, but he tired of Arenas’ behavior.
With each game he misses, Arenas will lose about $147,200 of the $16.2 million he will earn this season in the second of a six-year, $111 million contract. The punishment came on his 28th birthday.
“I feel very badly that my actions have caused the NBA to suspend me, but I understand why the league took this action,” Arenas said in a statement through his attorney. “I put the NBA in a negative light and let down my teammates and our fans. I am very sorry for doing that.”
Arenas added that he had called Stern to apologize.
“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,” he said. “I take full responsibility for my conduct.”
Arenas originally said he brought four guns to the Verizon Center because he wanted them out of his house after his daughter was born. But two officials within the league who have been briefed on the investigation have told The Associated Press that the incident stemmed from a dispute over card-playing gambling debts and a heated discussion in the locker room with teammate Javaris Crittenton(notes). The New York Post, however, reported that the two teammates drew weapons on each other.
Arenas said in a statement on Monday that he took unloaded guns from his locker in a “misguided effort to play a joke” on a teammate.
“Joke or not, I now recognize that what I did was a mistake and was wrong,” Arenas said. “I should not have brought the guns to DC in the first place, and I now realize that there’s no such thing as joking around when it comes to guns—even if unloaded.”
Stern said members of the Wizards organization are still being interviewed by law enforcement authorities.
“Some are scheduled for appearance before the grand jury and the investigation is proceeding with the intensity that one would expect for such a serious incident,” Stern said.
A Wizards spokesman said Arenas left the team, which is playing in Cleveland, earlier Wednesday but didn’t know where he was going.
“It’s sad,” Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson(notes) said. “You don’t want to see a player go down like that. We’re a family, and it hurts.”
The Wizards supported Stern’s decision in a statement attributed to president Ernie Grunfeld and the Pollin family, which owns the team. The late Abe Pollin changed the team’s name from the Bullets because of the violent connotation.
“Strictly legal issues aside, Gilbert’s recent behavior and statements, including his actions and statements last night in Philadelphia, are unacceptable,” the statement said. “Some of our other players appeared to find Gilbert’s behavior in Philadelphia amusing. This is also unacceptable.”
AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich and Joseph White in Washington, an AP freelance writer Jason Lloyd in Cleveland contributed to this report.