May 7, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Gilbert Arenas (10) controls the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers point guard Mo Williams (25) during the first half of game four of the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas Addresses Controversial News

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 2:50 PM ET

Gilbert Arenas was an interesting player to follow in his career, as it looked at one point that he could become one of the best guards in the NBA. In a three-year stretch during his time with the Washington Wizards, he earned three All-Star and All-NBA selections, while averaging 27.7 points and 5.7 assists per game.

However, injuries ended up getting the best of him, limiting the All-Star to just 47 games across three seasons. But Arenas didn't do himself justice, especially when he brought a firearm into the Wizards' locker room after a dispute with teammate Javaris Crittenton. With that factoring in, some weren't surprised when they saw Arena's name in headlines on Wednesday.

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and suspected Israeli crime figure were arrested today on federal indictment alleging they operated illegal gambling business in which high-stakes poker games were played at Encino mansion Arenas owned. https://t.co/ZS6HYj6xQI
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 30, 2025

Arenas was arrested and later released on bail on Wednesday, as he was charged with allegedly operating an illegal gambling business featuring high-stakes poker games via his Eninco mansion.

Arenas was arrested alongside five other defendants. He was charged with "one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators," according to the DOJ. Given the nature of Arenas, his response after his release probably didn't surprise many.

Im Back on the Streets ️This aint got shyt to do with me ' just rented the house' Wasnt apart pic.twitter.com/ALjozzhzoY
— Gilbert Arenas (@NoChillGilZero) July 31, 2025

"They can hold me," Arenas repeated, walking down the stairs after being released on $50,000 bond with a court date set for September 23rd, 2025. "Im Back on the Streets ️This aint got shyt to do with me ' just rented the house' Wasnt apart," Arenas added in the caption to his post.

After his stint with the Wizards, Arenas was traded to the Orlando Magic and was waived just under a year later. He'd play 17 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2011-12 season, which was his last season in the NBA. Arenas has now joined the media space, hosting his own show, " Gil's Arena", featuring ex-NBA players Nick Young and Kenyon Martin.

Kwame Brown is celebrating following today’s news about Gilbert Arenas and Shannon Sharpe pic.twitter.com/PlOIvXBIDn
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 30, 2025

What's Next For Gilbert Arenas?

Most people would likely lay low in Arenas' situation, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him back in front of a microphone before his court date. With his son, Alijah, recently suffering a torn meniscus that could prevent him from playing for USC next season, perhaps Gilbert takes the time to help his son in his recovery.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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