The feds are no laughing matter and Stephen A. Smith is not here for jokes when it comes to Gilbert Arenas’ latest run-in with the law. The ESPN veteran recently used his platform on The Stephen A. Smith Show to send a direct message to the former NBA star, urging him to take his federal indictment seriously instead of turning it into viral content.
In case you missed it, the reaction came after a clip surfaced showing Arenas making light of the situation. In the video, Arenas joked that people connected to Smith often end up arrested. That comment did not sit well with Smith, who wasted no time addressing it.
“Bro, I need you not to play around,” Smith said bluntly. “I don’t want to see you behind bars. That’s not something to laugh about. When the feds come raiding your home, it’s not a joke.”
Smith emphasized that this kind of attitude could have real consequences, especially when it comes to Arenas’ future in media and business. “You’ve got people like me, ESPN, Underdog, and multiple sponsors that want to work with you,” Smith explained. “But not if you’re making light of federal charges.”
Smith also reminded viewers of Arenas’ history, bringing up the infamous 2009 locker room incident involving teammate Javaris Crittenton. That moment, where both players brought firearms into the Washington Wizards locker room and Arenas later pantomimed shooting during pre-game introductions, led to a major suspension by then-NBA Commissioner David Stern.
Wild times for No Chill Gil, but when you think of it, when have they ever not been wild?