At least Gilbert Arenas understands one thing: He messed up and deserves to be punished. That’s what he told Esquire Magazine for its next issue, which comes out later this week.
The Washington Wizards star was suspended for bringing guns into the locker room. He told The Associated Press earlier this month that he would have no problem playing for the Wizards again.
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Arenas also told Esquire that he “messed up” the legacy of late owner Abe Pollin, who died in November — a month before the gun incident.
“I have a painting of him in my garage. I just walk by it with my head down,” Arenas said. “I called Mrs. Pollin and said, ‘If Abe was still with us, I would’ve had to talk to him, so I’m gonna give you the same respect. I want to say sorry to you. I deserve to be punished. I’ll do everything it takes to get back your husband’s respect.'”
Arenas said he once owned up to 500 guns, many dating to World War I and purchased from an older man. According to the story, all but four of the guns were put in storage when Arenas started having kids.
One more nugget: Arenas said he and Javaris Crittenton, the other half of the locker-room, gun-toting Wizards, were friendly after their incident.
“He goes into the Jacuzzi,” Arenas told Esquire. “You know what? I gotta warm my knee up anyway. I go in and sit with him. We’re just sitting in there talking. We didn’t have no problem. It was just some fun that got out of control.”
