Recently, Gilbert Arenas wrote an opinion-editorial in the Washington Post regarding sending a message to his younger fans about handguns.
Our cracked staff at That NBA Lottery Pick tried to decode what he was really trying to say.
"The Post suggested on Dec. 31 that I send a message to young fans "about guns being neither glamorous nor desirable." I am grateful for the opportunity to do something good in the face of the very bad situation I created.
(Meaning, he needed to get some things off his chest and hell, if it can work for Sarah Palin. It can work for Gilbert Arenas)
I have done a number of things wrong recently. I violated D.C. gun laws and the NBA's ban on firearms on league property, and I damaged the image of the NBA and its players. I reacted badly to the aftermath and made fun of inaccurate media reports, which looked as though I was making light of a serious situation. And I gave Commissioner David Stern good reason to suspend me from the game, which put my teammates in a tough position and let down our fans and Mrs. Irene Pollin, the widow of longtime Wizards owner Abe Pollin.
(Putting it liberally, he did alot of things wrong. Not Latrell Spreewell bad but still, pretty bad. Also, shooting off fake guns was not the greatest idea after dealing with a gun charge.)
I understand the importance of teaching nonviolence to kids in today's world. Guns and violence are serious problems, not joking matters -- a lesson that's been brought home to me over the past few weeks. I thought about this when I pleaded guilty as charged in court and when I accepted my NBA suspension without challenge.
(What's wrong with these people, it's just guns. I know that there is violence in the world but c'mon he was settling a gambling debt. Also, I think he already practices non-violence, he plays for the Wizards)
That message of nonviolence will be front and center as I try to rebuild my relationship with young people in the D.C. area. I know that won't happen overnight, and that it will happen only if I show through my actions that I am truly sorry and have learned from my mistakes. If I do that, then hopefully youngsters will learn from the serious mistakes I made with guns and not make any of their own.
(He needs to rebuild his image? O RLY? I thought his would gain his image or at least his street cred. By the way, if your kid doesn't think guns are cool, then there might be something wrong with your kid.)
I am trying hard to right my wrongs. The one that will be hardest to make right is the effect my actions have had on kids who see NBA players as role models. Professional athletes have a duty to act responsibly and to understand the influence we have on all those kids who look up to us. I failed to live up to that responsibility when I broke the law and set such a bad example. Washington's children, parents and fans all deserve better from me, especially after all the kindness they've shown me over the years.
(Gilbert is a role model for young kids and I completely understand that. However, there are alot worse people in the world. Who hasn't randomly brough out a hand-gun to show their friends to settle a gambling debt? Oh Wait....)
While I regret a lot about this incident, letting the kids down is my biggest regret. I love the time I spend with the kids here in the District, and it means a lot to me whenever I can help lift their spirits or inspire them, especially kids who have difficult lives.
(THINK ABOUT THE KIDS, THINK ABOUT THE KIDS)
Last Tuesday, I wrote a letter to students in D.C. schools that was also about owning up to my mistakes. I said that I lost sight of the lesson I learned from Abe Pollin about how the responsibility to be a good role model comes along with the opportunity he gave me. I reiterate now the pledge I made to those students: that this is a responsibility I am not going to walk away from, that I will choose more wisely in the future and do my best to help guide children into brighter futures.
(Man, Gilbert Arenas wrote a letter to apologize to younger fans. He could have made a public appearance but hey, a letter is a letter. *cues Walk Away* by Kelly Clarkson)
There have been few bright spots for me these past few weeks. But one came the night I played my last game this season at Verizon Center. I saw young fans were still showing up wearing my jersey. That meant more to me than I can say.
(Aw...this is sorta touching. I might actually have cry on this one. Wait, don't young kids wear his jersey regardless)
The relationship I have with young fans is very important to me. I realize now how easily I can damage it. I have to earn that respect and work to deserve it each and every day. I plan to do that work by partnering with public officials and community groups to teach kids to avoid trouble and learn from their mistakes, to strive for success by working hard and persevering, and to try to make the right choices.
(This message sponsored by the NBA and the number zero, "Agent Zero")
Some people may not forgive me for what I've done. 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."
(Look, Gilbert, we at That NBA Lottery Pick forgive you for your mistake. Seriously, we do. However, doesn't anyone find it ironic that the team formely named, "The Washington Bullets" has a current player on the roster with a gun-related charge?)