Bobcats extend training-camp invite to Crittenton
The Charlotte Bobcats will take a chance on NBA guard Javaris Crittenton, 22, who was involved in a well-publicized altercation with fellow team-mate Gilbert Arenas last season.
Both were members of the Washington Wizards and both served long suspensions for their behaviour.
Last January, an argument supposedly stemming from gambling debts between the two players got violent in the Wizards’ locker room, with firearms being brandished on both sides. It was Arenas who reportedly drew his gun first with Crittenton doing the same
soon after. The incident, which happened on a practice day, didn’t result in any injuries.
Now Crittenton, whose contract expired last season, will be given a second chance.
Crittenton’s agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed Wednesday that his client has accepted a training-camp invite by the Bobcats. He will have a non-guaranteed contract and will therefore need to prove himself on the court to make the roster. Bartelstein said
his player is now healthy after battling a left ankle injury last season.
On 25 January, Crittenton pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge.
And the dispute resulted in NBA commissioner David Stern laying down harsh punishments for both players.
Stern wanted to send a message to his players that firearms on NBA property are strictly prohibited. He suspended both players for the remainder of the season without pay. As a result, Arenas gave up $147,200 per game while Crittenton lost out on $13,435
per match. There were 38 games left in the season, which the Wizards finished with a dismal record of 26-56, good for fourth-worst in the league.
With the suspension, Crittenton ended up missing the entire season last year because of an early-season ankle injury.
He has averaged 5.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16.4 minutes over his career.
Having lost Raymond Felton to the New York Knicks this off-season, the Bobcats are looking to add to their backcourt. The team, owned by Michael Jordan, made their play-off debut last season, losing in four games to the Orlando Magic.
Gilbert Arenas will make his return to the Wizards, where he has $80m and four years left on his contract. He has averaged 22.7 points and 4.2 rebounds over his nine years in the NBA.
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