Gilbert Arenas Suspended

NBA commissioner  David Stern has dropped the hammer on Gilbert Arenas by suspending him indefinitely today. This comes on the heels of the recent drama involving gun play in the locker room. Initial reports being incorrect of guns being drawn in the locker room between him and Javaris Crittenton led to the supposed truth of Gil playing a joke on Javaris in an attempt tp diffuse the tension over his anger on an unpaid gambling debt David Stern is quoted after the decision  as saying:

"The possession of firearms by an NBA player in an NBA arena is a matter of the utmost concern to us.  I initially thought it prudent to refrain from taking immediate action because of the pendency of a criminal investigation involving the office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and the Metropolitan Police Department, and the consideration of this matter by a grand jury sitting in the District of Columbia.  For the same reason, I directed the Wizards to refrain from taking any action.  Wizards personnel continue to be 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."

"Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game.  Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA."

This leads one to believe this action comes from the antics on the court before the game in Philadelphia where Arenas was using his finger to mimic a gun in his hand during the pregame ceremony. The Wizards have responded to the suspension as well, from Michael Lee of the Wash Post:

"We fully endorse the decision of the NBA to indefinitely suspend Gilbert Arenas. Strictly legal issues aside, Gilbert's recent behavior and statements, including his actions and statements last night in Philadelphia, are unacceptable. Some of our other players appeared to find Gilbert's behavior in Philadelphia amusing. This is also unacceptable. Under Abe Pollin's leadership, our organization never tolerated such behavior, and we have no intention of ever doing so."