Catching Up with Nats Things, Hudson Deal Nearing
Via the Washington Post, Gilbert Arenas expressed regret over his actions and desire to be a bteer role model. Gilbert first addressed his wrongs point blank.
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.
Gilbert also expresses that he, himself, has learned from this mistake and plans to make it up to the Washington DC area and the youth of this great city.
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.
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 hit home that his number one concern, besides the law he broke, was the damnage he had done as a role model to the youth.
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.
Arenas' gun charges were horrific for the NBA and the Washington Wizards organization. He knows that. We know that. The question is, will the Washington Wizards and the Washington area give Gilbert Arenas the opportunity to right the wrong?
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