Arenas: Crittenton Became 'More Gangsta'
Posted by Royce Young
Following the infamous gun incident in the Wizards locker room in 2009, both Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton swore to a reformed life. Crittenton even said this:
"Use wisdom in everything and just don't get caught up in foolishness and nonsense and crazy people around you ... It was a bad decision on both ends and we're trying to move forward with our careers and our lives."
It's a good stance and a good way to turn things around after that ugly mess in Washington. But via the Washington Post's Mike Wise who was recalling a past conversation between him and Arenas, the former D.C. point guard actually had heard that Crittenton wasn't living by his words.
Asked whether he had spoken to Javaris Crittenton since they were both suspended for the remainder of the 2009-2010 NBA season and Arenas had spent 30 days in a halfway house, Arenas replied, "No, but I heard he became more hard."
More hard, he explained, meant "more gangsta."
"You know, like some people turn over a new leaf when something bad like that changes their life. I heard Javaris went the other way — he became more 'hood, more hardened in that way. I don't know if that's the case, but that's what I heard."
By his words, Crittenton was turning over a new leaf. He tried out for the Bobcats, went to the D-League and by all appearances was trying to switch things around. But the latest incident Crittenton is tangled up in suggets otherwise.
Now of course Crittenton isn't guilty of murder until it's proven so. He just was arrested in Los Angeles and his lawyer claims his client is innocent and will have his name cleared. I certainly hope so.
Keep in mind Arenas' comments aren't something he saw or witnessed. He just said he "heard" Crittenton was going the other way. I'm sure Arenas has people that know people so it's probably fairly accurate, especially considering recent events, but it's not like this is something that can be used in court against Crittenton.
Still, an interesting take on the situation and something that kind of helps to make sense of it.
