Arenas, Saunders, Jamison React to Suspension

Mark ButerbaughJan 6, 2010

As you know, earlier today Gilbert Arenas was suspended indefinitely, effective immediately, by NBA Commissioner David Stern for Gilbert's admission of illegally transporting weapons, violating league rules by storing guns in the Verizon Center and then blatantly acting as if he never took the matter seriously. The Wizards quickly issued a statement in support of the suspension. We now have reactions from Arenas himself, the NBA Players Association, as well as Wizards head coachFlip Saunders and Wizards captain Antawn Jamison.

Arenas:

"I feel very badly that my actions have caused the NBA to suspend me, but I understand why the league took this action. I put the NBA in a negative light and let down my teammates and our fans. I am very sorry for doing that.

While I never intended any harm or disrespect to the NBA or anyone else, my gun possession at the Verizon Center and my attempts at humor showed terrible judgment. I take full responsibility for my conduct.

Earlier today, I called Commissioner Stern to apologize, and I hope we will be able to talk soon. I look forward to the day I can return to basketball. In the meantime, I will focus on dealing responsibly with this serious situation and I will continue to cooperate fully with the investigations by law enforcement and NBA authorities."

NBA PA:

"The Players Association was informed today that Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA as a result of his actions in bringing firearms into his team locker room. Gilbert has acknowledged his regret regarding this incident, and the Players Association is aware that there is an ongoing criminal investigation taking place. The Players Association will continue to monitor the investigation being conducted by law enforcement authorities and the Commissioner's office. At the conclusion of these investigations we will det