Gilbert Arenas, former NBA player, has found himself embroiled in a new scandal after being arrested on federal charges accusing him of organizing high-stakes illegal poker games. The athlete will face his first appearance in a Los Angeles courtroom this Thursday. Here’s what we know about the case.
What charges does Gilbert Arenas face?
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Arenas has officially been charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business at his mansion in Encino, in addition to operating an illegal gambling business and making false statements to federal investigators.
ALSO READ Who was Wesley LePatner, the Blackstone executive killed in a NYC shooting?
Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, an alleged leader of an Israeli crime syndicate, along with several of his associates, was arrested and accused of being involved in an illegal operation that ran from September 2021 to July 2022. Arenas allegedly rented out his residence, where one of his accomplices organized clandestine poker games, charging a fee for the property’s use.
The accused, including Gershman, conducted “Pot Limit Omaha” games, taking a commission from each disputed pot. The gatherings featured chefs, valet attendants, armed security, and young women who served drinks, offered massages, and provided companionship to the players, keeping a portion of the tips.
This isn’t Arenas’ first incident involving card games, as in 2009, he was involved in an altercation with his Washington Wizards teammate, Javaris Crittenton, after bringing firearms into the locker room following a dispute over a card game.
What sentence could Gilbert Arenas face?
If found guilty, Arenas could face up to five years of federal prison for each charge, meaning a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
What is Gilbert Arenas’ net worth?
Gilbert Arenas’ net worth is estimated at $10 million. Throughout his successful NBA career, Arenas earned $160 million in salary alone, in addition to a significant sum from endorsement deals. After a modest start, with only $845,000 in his first two years in the league, he signed his first major contract in 2003, for six years and $63.7 million. In 2008, after exercising his early termination option, he signed an even more lucrative six-year deal worth $111 million. Despite enjoying immense earnings, Arenas has faced financial struggles in recent years.
ALSO READ Krispy Kreme launches a new donut collection that will transport you to Italy! What’s included?
In 2014, despite not playing since 2011, the Orlando Magic paid him $22.3 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes at the time. In terms of real estate, he bought a mansion in Virginia for nearly $3 million, famous for its shark tanks. He later sold it at a loss of $2.5 million. He also sold properties in California, including his Encino home and a remarkable residence in Calabasas, making a modest profit.
Who is Gilbert Arenas?
Gilbert Jay Arenas Jr. was born on January 6, 1982, in Tampa, Florida. At a young age, he moved to Los Angeles with his family, where he excelled in school basketball. After graduating, he attended the University of Arizona, playing for the college team for two years before declaring for the 2001 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 31st pick.
Arenas quickly made a name for himself in the NBA, standing out with the Warriors and winning the NBA Most Improved Player Award for the 2002-2003 season. His performance led him to become a free agent, signing with the Washington Wizards for six years and $60 million. During his time with the Wizards, Arenas became known for his ball-stealing ability and technical skills, and he was regularly voted to the All-Star Game.
However, his career took a hit in 2009 due to a firearm incident at the Verizon Center. As a result, he was indefinitely suspended by the NBA, missing the entire 2010 season. He later faced charges for illegal gun possession and was sentenced to probation and 30 days in a rehabilitation center. After the controversy, Arenas played for the Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, and Shanghai Sharks, but he was never able to regain his previous level of performance.
