Ex-Laker Kermit Washington denied prison release

Former NBA player Kermit Washington won't be getting out of prison any time soon. The former Los Angeles Lakers forward requested to be released from jail due to fears he could catch COVID-19, but the judge decided that the risk of catching the coronavirus isn't a good enough excuse for an early release, according to TMZ.

The 68-year-old first filed court documents in April, citing health concerns from the coronavirus pandemic as a reason for an early release. Washington stated he's at a "high risk of death or serious illness from COVID-19" and also noted the number of deaths of inmates in prisons across the country. 

Washington is serving a six-year sentence for running a fake charity scheme and potting around $1 million that was supposed to be donated to starving and HIV-positive children in Africa. The American University product was put in jail in 2018 and also has to pay $970,000 in restitution. 

His case for being released wasn't necessarily a bad one, as COVID-19 is especially hard on the elderly. People 65 and older account for 80 percent of U.S. deaths from the disease, according to demographic data released by the CDC.

The former Laker spent 10 seasons in the NBA between Los Angeles, the Boston Celtics, San Diego Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors. He averaged 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 52.6 percent from the field. Washington was a one-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive team member.