Gilbert Arenas, a media-savvy former NBA player, was arrested after being formally charged by the prosecutor’s office with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and lying to federal investigators.
The network ESPN reports that the former Warriors, Wizards, Magic and Grizzlies player, who averaged 20.7 points per game in his 11-year career, organized illegal high-stakes poker games, usually Pot Limit Omaha, at his mansion in Encino, California.
Gilbert Arenas (43 years old) pleaded not guilty, was released on $50,000 bail and is due to appear in court on September 23.
I’m back on the streets. This has nothing to do with me, I just rented the house. I wasn’t part of this. 51-0. I’m the Mayweather of the courts
“I’m back on the streets. This has nothing to do with me, I just rented the house. I wasn’t part of this. 51-0. I’m the Mayweather of the courts,” Arenas shared on social media after being released.
Gilbert Arenas’ alleged association with a high-ranking member of an Israeli organized crime group
Yevgeni ‘Giora’ Gershman, an alleged senior member of an Israeli organised crime group, and four other associates (Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria and Yarin Cohen) were also charged and arrested in connection with the alleged illegal business, which the prosecution said operated between September 2021 and July 2022.
According to the indictment, Arenas rented out his home in Encino and one of his associates set up the mansion for the poker games, recruited accomplices to organize them and charged them rent on behalf of the former NBA player.
For these illegal games, the alleged criminal plot hired chefs, valets, armed security guards and women who served drinks, gave massages and offered companionship to poker players in exchange for tips.
If found guilty, Gilbert Arenas, who played his last NBA game in 2021 and was a three-time All-Star, and the other defendants would face a maximum federal prison sentence of five years for each charge.
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