Henry Abbott brilliantly explains the initial incident between Arenas and Crittenton through Joe Pesci's "do I amuse you?" bit from Goodfellas. Gilbert threatened Javaris. He did it under the guise of humor, but the threat was there. From the perspective of Javaris Crittenton, it must have seemed highly dangerous. There are many what-ifs resulting from the confrontation, but the biggest is "what if Javaris drew his own loaded gun in retaliation?"
Gilbert Arenas needs to go to jail. His open letter in the Washington Post reeks of his inability to understand the gravity of the situation. Gilbert's public mea culpa is disingenuous at best. He is very sorry, for the children. For. The. Children.
But if I help steer even just one young person away from violence and trouble, then I'll once again feel that I'm living up to Abe Pollin's legacy and to the responsibility I owe the kids of the District.
Clearly, Gilbert doesn't get it. Gilbert shouldn't speak to youth about gun violence. He's not qualified. This incident isn't about gun violence; it's about intimidation and deceit. Gilbert acted as a bully and pretended that he wasn't a bully, and claimed he made a mistake in the process of keeping his family safe.
Unfortunately, there's a chance Gilbert will receive a suspended sentence and be ordered to do community service. If Gilbert's going to do community service, it should be community service where he interacts with adults, not children. Any community service he does should not be publicized later. He shouldn't be able to use it to show how much he cares about the community. Required community service isn't a publicity stunt, which might not be something Gilbert Arenas understands.
As for the children? Gilbert Arenas is not a role model and, now, he never will be. And he has no one to thank for that but himself.
I think that is a little harsh. Not about the punishment, but rather about Gil never being a role model.
ReplyDeleteWhile not athletes, look at the list of celebs who were arrested, changed their lives and can arguably be called role models.
Tim Allen. He was in jail for drug possession, but has turned his life around and is now incredibly successful.
Al Pacino: Arrested in 1961 for carrying a concealed weapon. (However, the charges was later dropped when 21 year-old Al Pacino told the police that the weapon was a prop he would be using for his acting job.)
Larry King: 1971 --arrested in Miami for larceny.
Winona Ryder --2001 accused of stealing $5,500 worth of accessories and designer clothes at a Saks Fifth Avenue department store.
If Arenas follows a similar path as these stars, I think he can be a role model for kids who make a mistake. He can show them that with hard work and a change of lifestyle you can do great things with your life.
Oh...and don't forget George Michael! You gotta have faith (and a shady park bathroom)...I jest...
ReplyDeleteIf it's a drug charge, redemption is possible. When the crime includes lying, how is any future sentiment of remorse remotely credible?
ReplyDeleteOkay, what about those who commit tax evasion. Essentially a crime of deceit.
ReplyDeleteOr, take Ray Lewis. Part of his crime was lying about a murder! He cleaned up his life and now is revered in NFL circles and is generally considered a great teammate and guy.
Putting yourself in a hole and then climbing out is not a reason to be a role model.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if I meet someone who has a kid who looks up to Gilbert, I'll point out that he crapped in Blatche's shoe. Gross and inexcusable.
We all put ourselves in holes though, the question is just how big. I think it would be pretty darn easy if somebody handed you $100 million at 23 and said go have fun.
ReplyDeleteWith the number of guys that don't climb out (high Antoine Walker, Iverson, Starberry....), I think fixing your life does make you a role model. Especially to kids who have the same problems.
Maybe not the role model for our kids (hopefully), but if my kid ever gets in trouble and thinks "why bother", I can say hey look at player x. You can turn your life around too.
And the shitting in a shoe, you know we've all done that!