West’s Status Doomed By Arenas
It’s no secret the critical role Delonte West plays towards helping the Cavaliers achieve their ultimate goal of a championship. As he continues his roller coaster season of occasional DNP’S, constant MEDS and run ins with the FEDS, West seems to be turning the corner on the floor.
But the best defense Redz seems to have going right now, is by virtue of his insanity defense, as he continues to avoid the wrath of Stern while facing numerous weapons charges. All this while the NBA suspends Gilbert Arenas indefinitely for a different kind of gun-related incident.
Many Cavs fans have rightfully given support to the troubled West, whose bipolar disorder has been well chronicled. All along, it’s been easy for fans and media alike to sympathize with West; most people know someone dealing with his disorder. Brian Windhorst has even written about withholding information about Delonte’s issues that may have even affected the team during last year’s playoff run. But it’s clear that most have been willing to chalk up Delonte’s problems with his unfortunate chemical imbalance.
But not anymore.
Gilbert Arenas’ gun toting nonsense has ostensibly brought Delonte’s forgotten gun issues back into the conversation. Many are now comparing and contrasting the transgressions, with two prominent writer’s sharing CursedCleveland’s opinion that D-Hood’s was worse.
Jason Whitlock: “Can we really blame Arenas for being slow to understand the seriousness of his transgression when Delonte West still toils for the Cavaliers after getting popped by police while tooling around on a motorcycle strapped with a 9mm Beretta, a .357 Ruger, a shotgun slung over his shoulder and enough ammo to film the say-hello-to-my-little-friend scene of Scarface?”
Gregg Doyel: “West was caught in September with three loaded guns, including a shotgun stashed in a guitar case. Stern hasn’t acted on that, because Maryland police are still investigating and because West didn’t — as Arenas did — bring the guns to work. But when Stern is ready to act, West should be suspended a long, long time. Longer than Arenas. West’s guns were loaded. Arenas’ guns were not. Major distinction”
*other local bloggers have weighed in. Shocker, they think Gilbert’s unloaded weaponry is far worse than Delonte’s multiple loaded guns.
But there is a moment of clarity to be had here. Stern’s pronouncement that “[he] initially thought it prudent to refrain from taking immediate action because of the pendency of a criminal investigation,” can only be translated that West’s penalty is around the corner. Let’s be honest here, if Arenas has been deemed, “not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game,” you’d think someone with the troubled past of West mixed with the chemical imbalance and the various meds used to fight the condition would be in much worse shape.
So while we’re still somewhat surprised that West is permitted to see the floor while his investigation is pending, we won’t be surprised if he joins Arenas in watching the playoffs from home.
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Let’s hope the doctored photo of Delonte (from the Terminator) that’s shown in this post isn’t seen by David Stern and used against him.
There’s a clear distinction between Delonte’s gun mistakes and Gilbert’s: Delonte did not break an Association rule, unless he’s convicted of a felony, whereas Gilbert most certainly did. That is why Stern is waiting to punish Delonte, no doubt, while he dropped the hammer on Gilbert.
Gilbert threatened a teammate with a gun, even if it was unloaded and he didn’t point it at him. It’s clear from Crittenton’s alleged reaction that the situation wasn’t all “fun and games” like Arenas would have you believe. Also, keep in mind that Gilbert didn’t stop jawing at the media and the league until he was suspended, and not a minute sooner.
Gilbert continued to embarrass the league with his comments and action after his incident. That’s why Stern took him off of the floor posthaste.
West didn’t chatter about his legal issue, making light of the situation. He’s repentant. Delonte made a mistake, for sure, but he didn’t make it at work. He’ll probably pay for it with a nominal suspension … I’m guessing five games.
Also, there have been many, many worse transgressions than Delonte’s riding-while-strapped incident. You have a guy who hosted some kind of house party where someone was shot, a guy who fired five shots into the air in a crowded nightclub … And, of course, the guy who took out a firearm during a conflict with a teammate in the locker room.
And please don’t quote Jason Whitlock unless your analysis ends with, “Can you believe this moron?”
Delonte West just wants to get his boink on. Can’t say I blame the guy.
You people are idiots who try to compare the two. Arenas pulled his gun on another individual inside a building not too mention a state with very strict gun laws. Delonte did not pull his gun on anyone, he also has a bipolar disorder, Arenas does not and should know better he not a gangster. Delonte with his disorder feels every now and again that people are out to get him. You writers are ignorant to say the least and well should really rott in hell. Two different situations Arenas a moron, Delonte medical history not so good lets look at the facts before we throw out opinions. MORONS
Damone, honest question. In which situation would you feel your life was in more jeopardy? Hanging out with Gilbert around his unloaded guns in an NBA arena, or hanging out with Delonte anywhere with his loaded weapons.
That should clarify the situation for you.
I grew up in ohio when there were no guns around…hard to understand when i fail to grasp one good thing that a gun accomplishes.just one,anybody? com on shaq lead the way in taking the guns out of society..
I concur Mike: There is certainly a difference. Arenas pointedly, willingly, and knowingly made an intentional, gangster-like threat toward a teamate’s life. That was the message he wanted to send. West likely, under the delusional influence of the disorder from which he is well-known to consistenlty suffer, apparently wanted to send another message or two; however the prominent being that he is capable of protecting himself. His response during the crux of the matter (occuring, by the way during the offseason and out of the more protective reach of those who are, emphatically more capable of [and interested in] helping him to manage) was non-threatening, toward the life of no one: He threatened no one-loaded weapons or not. He denied nothing, (thus far). While West had the potential to cause the comparatively greatest harm (though these situations are remotely comparable) he harmed no one and the intention to portray an image is by far less potent an “infraction” than the intention to send a non-verbal message to a co-worker that harm is likely to be imminent. West’s behavioral issues bring to light the myriad of considerations and concerns that garner swift attention, yet require more in the area of pre-emptive attention, which derive from a multi-talented bi-polar young adult who happens to have the rags-to-riches lifestyle being played out in full color in the public eye. It is often said that his circumstance extends into the unchartered waters of the NBA. He should not be tossed from team to team. The perception that “money” addresses and solves all ills is ludicrous. Delonte needs real help. Thus, far the Cavaliers seem to be willing to help him. Now, more than ever before should this matter be handled with genuine, heartfelt care. Hoist the sails, yes meet and test the limits, but see to the success of a functionally, truly mentally ill athlete, who is trying to make it; Not a go-for-bad, disrespectful, wanna be playa, like Arenas.
I am from Cleveland…Areana’s hates us Clevelanders, so its an easy one, I’d rather be with brotha redz… If you really want to compare the two, lets go out on a ledge and think about it for one second..Where was DWest driving around with all those guns..Yeah that right right outside of DC where the Wizards who’s game plan to beat the Cavs was to literally beat the cavs, ie physically harm them. Maybe that is why DWest felt while driving around DC he needed guns, in case Arenas or Stevenson saw him out and about. I am not serious about this, but if you are going to compare the situations lets look at why the situation happened too and any sort of mitigating circumstances. It would be similar if Ron Artest and Latrell Sprewell got into a fight at a 7-11 instead of in the Palace. If they fought at a 7-11 they would not have been suspended for as long as they did.
Gosh! You know little about bipolar disorder and less about the accusations here. Gil is accused of breaking an NBA rule – bringing a weapon into an NBA facility, flashing it around, and pointing it at a teammate over a gambling debt.
Delonte is not, he did not break an NBA rule. Further, Delonte has been charged with misdemeanors not felonies – only a felony charge is in the NBA suspension guidelines. And our constitution still allows us to keep and bare arms. Until that’s changed…
Moreover, both of these situations are under investigation. Again, our constitution comes into play: It says we are innocent until proven guilty, does it not? N either player is under arrest, neither is being held.
Gil would still be playing had he not mimed pulling a gun in pregame warm-ups the other night.
Get your story straight, and only write what you know not what you assume.
both situations are will be handled with the mentality “this is what happens if you do this”
stern does not want this stuff happening at all. it does not matter how similar it is, if you play in the nba, you better give up your guns.
now, my view of it…
Intent.
Intent without suspicion.
Delonte had some very dangerous weapons on him, however, without suspicion, his actions are soley possession. he possessed, but never made a threat, or showed intent to use. we dont know delontes intent because he cooperated with the police, fully. there are no witnesses who can say “he made me feel my saftey was in jeopardy.” instead, we have… “he was driving irrationally with multiple loaded weapons and the mindset *he* was the one in danger.” being able to prove delontes intent was an offensive move will be nearly impossible.
Gilbert showed his intent. he showed why he owns a gun and in one way he may plan to use it. inside of an nba affiliated arena, gilbert showed his intent. gilbert used a gun to help solve a problem, and inside an nba arena. you cant argue that. its black and white. and the key here, where when delonte cooperated with the police… gilbert mocked the situation. he basicly challenged… taunted stern to do something.
understanding the situation each were in, and the intent they had while in possession of their weapons is the difference in these situations.
now, dont get me wrong about delonte, hes going to get his. my argument is only a comparison of two wrongs.
I concur – it may cause them to go harder on West because of what Arenas has done, but Arenas’ mistake was to keep talking to the media, changing his story and just plain making light of the situation whereas the Cavs rallied around West, kept him shielded and not allow him to say anything that would cause him to be seen as unrepentant and not taking the matter seriously. His (West’s) illness can cause him to think he is being percecuted/voices telling him people want him dead, so in his mind, he’s protecting himself whereas Arenas was going gangster (alledgedly) on a teamate because he (teamate, alledgedly) owed Arenas money. We STILL don’t take mental illness seriously and we should. I would hope that West would get some mercy from the commish because he has shown he’s remorseful and I believe has/had issued an apology. I concur with the other blogger; I hope the photo shopped picture of West does NOT get him in trouble. I think the commish may be somewhat lenient with West because he has kept himself out of trouble and seems to be following his medication regamine. Areans needs to get a good lawyer and I hope he did not blow his money because he’s going to need EVERY penny to get out of this one. You’d think with what Vick, Burress and Stallworth went through, Arenas would’ve NEVER gone there.
What a load of crap. One of two scenarios is inevitably true here:
either 1.) you wrote this purposely to get a rise out of us Cavs/Delonte supporters…
or 2.) You wrote this truly believing that what Delonte did was worse.
As many have already stated on here, there are a multitude of differences in these two situations. I do not feel the need to reiterate all of them. However, I do want to repeat what I think are the 2 most important things. First, Arenas has no history of mental illness. While he does seem to be “kooky” with his history of off-the-wall comments and blog posts, he has no diagnosed mental disorder. In other words, Arenas knew better. He knew that pulling a gun on a teammate was wrong, but he did it anyway… then made fun of the NBA’s obviously embarassing situation in front of the whole world. Meanwhile, for those that know about bipolar disorder, we know that Delonte’s state of mind had alot to do with him carrying those guns. In his head, he likely did not know he was doing anything wrong and instead was hell-bent on protecting himself from people (in his mind) who were “out to get him.”
Second, Arenas pulled his gun on another human being, let alone a teammate, WHILE AT HIS PLACE OF WORK. On the contrary, Delonte pulled his guns on no one. Likely because those that were “out to get him” didn’t exist. Try and think about what must have been going through both of these young mens’ minds before passing judgement. In Arenas’ mind, he knew what he was doing, and he did it anyways. In Delonte’s mind, he was likely truly scared for his life and was trying to protect himself.
Before anyone starts accusing me of claiming to know what was going through Delonte’s mind, I am not. I am simply taking the facts concerning the situation, along with the many people who attest to Delonte’s personality and good nature, along with the little knowledge I have of Bipolar disorder and am making an educated assumption of why he did what he did.
I appreciate the comments for once. But what I’m failing to understand is why Delonte’s cooperation somehow makes his actions less dangerous to the public. Also, some of you are making the point that West’s penalty should be less b/c it wasn’t in an NBA arena. But regardless of that, I’m surprised more of you aren’t concerned with his actions, especially if you live in and around Cleveland. Even though this was in Maryland..Delonte could have been driving on your streets and in your neighborhoods, with loaded weapons. He could have been outside your child’s schools. And you’re cool with that?
I’m a Cavs fan, and as such, hope DW is allowed to play out the season. However, having said this, based on the description of his mental condition, he really ought to be institutionalized until cured. He certainly seems to be a danger to himself and others.
Gilbert committed a crime and ought to be punished. That he did so at an NBA venue, creates the nexus for the league to act.
DW is a very sick and dangerous person who ought to be quarantied away from society.
Both investigations are ongoing and conclusions have not been reached. But if we must compare and contrast the situations, I think the following are important distinctions:
1. From the legal/policy in the workplace perspective: Delonte’s gun violation occurred in the off-season and not at the workplace. Gilbert’s violation in an NBA locker room with other NBA players involved directly (Jarvis) or as witnesses.
2. From a medical perspective: Delonte’s gun violation may have to do with his bipolar disorder and not taking his medications at the time. This is unclear right now but hopefully the investigation will shed light on this. If Delonte’s gun violation was independent of his bipolar disorder, that’s one thing. If it is secondary to his neglect of taking care of his mental condition, then it’s another. The mental health issue is complex when deciding whether his gun violation renders him “not fit to take the court” on behalf of the NBA. Though we might be asking, “What was Arenas thinking,” the reality is that Gilbert was of right mind before, during, and after his gun violoation.
3. From a business perspective: Gilbert was embarassing the league and the NBA product with his actions, addressing th media, pregame routine, and tweets. Bad for business. Delonte has not done this at all.
Apples and oranges. Stern’s action on Gilbert Arenas does not set precedence for how he will act on Delonte West. They are separate situations that entirely different impacts on the NBA – especially the issue of mental illness. Delonte is a good basketball player. To what extent does the NBA want to accomodate a good baketball player with a mental illness? That’s the real question.
delontes cooperation doesnt make what he did ok. unlike gilbert, it does not make his situation worse, thats why I tried to highlight that.
what it does, is it shows he still had the mentality to respond responcibily. there are two completely different, and im mean huge differences, by his actions of cooperating. I dont think I need or have time to explain it. just think about it… imagine the situation as it was, and then imagine it had he put up a fight after being pulled over.
as far as his penalty should be less because it did not take place in an arena…
no, there are two penalties being handed down by two entities. there is the legal penalty and a speraate nba penalty.
now, I imagine there are stiffer laws for having a gun in an area where there are mass people (20k) because the dangers of having so many people and the influence of a gun can creat a horrible event. that is in contrast to a less populated area – the streets, where if a problem occured mass hystaria would not be an issue. yes, a problem but not the possibility of mass panic of 20+ thousand people. even tho gilbert did not do it with a full arena, that arena still holds the same respect as if it were full.
people are saying “at his place of work” because theres an idea that when you go to work you leave your problems at home. you are supposed to have another level of maturity. and having a problem like gilbert shows he threw that out the window and went down a few levels instead of up.
delonte is not sick and dangerous. there are sick and dangerous people out there, if you met them you would not put them in the same group. however, i would say he is troubled, confused and should be managed. a person with problems can still function in society as long as they are monitored and have proper help. delonte is recieving such help.
the type of people who need to be institutionallized are far from delonte and showing your comparison shows your lack of understanding on the subject. if you went to one of those places and met some of those people… well…
viewing delonte as dangerous for having loaded weapons is not accurate. a loaded weapon is never safe, which is why he will face penalties, but it does not immidiately label him as dangerous. if his intentions are to protect, and his attitude is not offensive – he should not be considered dangerous.
I would like to point out that there are many, many people who suffer from bipolar disorder. To say that a person should be institutionalized until they are cured is absurd and cruel. There is no cure; only management of the disease. To answer the question, would I be “cool” with Delonte riding around my neighborhood with a gun? I live in the country outside of Cleveland. Probably 60% to 70% of my neighbors own guns, so I suppose I don’t have the fear of guns that someone from the city might have. If his guns were registered, he could drive around all day out where I live and no one would give it a second thought. With all of the hunting that goes on out here, I see people walking around with rifles and hear rifles all the time. But they don’t point them at people and they don’t threaten people with their guns.
The point that Mr. Stern should take into account (along with the law in Maryland and DC) is intent. If riding with a gun in Maryland is a misdemeanor and pointing a gun at someone in DC in your place of work is a federal offense then that is where the difference occurs. The situations are different, because the laws that were allegedly broken were different. A misdemeanor does not carry the same punishment as a federal offense, so why would Mr. Stern assess the same punishment?
Webmaster: Contracts come these days with I’m fault-free clauses! Right: Delonte may likely suffer from other afflictions in addition to being bipolar. His actions seem to indicate that; He acted out under the influences of this well-documented condition from which he continually suffers. He portrayed an image for at least one known reason–that is to show that he is capable of protecting himself. Delusional or real that appears, under the facts as we know them, to date, to be the prominent purpose for his actions, which happened during the offseason. Arenas, to our knowledge, has no known documented affliction that compares to being bipolar. His actions indicate that he knowingly and intentionally acted for a purpose that overshadows attainment of a mere image: He acted with the knowledge and intention, on his job, (while ur infering think about workplace violence for a minute) to portray that there would be a likelihood of physical harm to at least one known and intended victim. This is not to infer that carrying weapons, whether loaded, anywhere that violates the law should go unrecognized or unpunished, but you must admit there is a marked difference between the driving causes behind the actions. There is a difference in the history, the known facts. The response to the facts in the situations you have paired must be as different as the two main individuals involved. Furthermore, we musn’t look to categorize well-compensated athletes. It is ludicrous, in the least, to consider “money” as the fix-all to living, or living well, or being “well.” Even if, for the sake of argument, Delonte was on the way to a particular victim the facts speak for themselves. There was no one, but him. I am not cool with anyone riding through town with weapons, unless they’re making a movie. Nevertheless, I don’t know whether they are loaded until something goes down. I know in these scenarios that there was an intended and intimidated victim on the one hand and an unknown vicitm, albeit a non-existent one, on the other, that’s all I know. True, there was poor judgement exercised. That must be dealt with, accordingly. I know that a functionally mentally afflicted likeable multi-talented young athlete whose experiences make his “rags-to-riches” story such that his life is played out in the public eye– is due more than a he-did-it-he-gotta-die-attitude/response. Why, because he’s seemingly in an enviable position? What do you value? Being bipolar requires more than just reactiveness; It requires preemptiveness, and genuine care and concern. The mans’s judgement is impaired, but most of the harm is to himself. That can be positively addressed. Delonte is not hopeless. Kudos to the Cavz for their known efforts. Treatment in some cases is experimental, but you just don’t leave people hanging. Even “rich” ones. It would appear that he’s getting good care when here in town. Delonte should not be posterized as a failure. There are opportunities for positive outcomes for him, the NBA, the Cavz, agencies, fans, admirers, and more to see to the success of this young man—who is sailing in “unchartered waters.” There is a difference that must be considered. Many eyes see “more than a game.” He shouldn’t be tossed around the NBA from team to team. He presents many challenges, but he brings skills and a willingness to keep moving forward in a positive way. That’s plenty. That’s different. He needs support. He needs discipline, and he needs support. Why would you compare Arenas’ situation to West’s anyway?
Arenas was suspended because of his attitude. It became clear that he did not take his situation seriously and that became intolerable to Stern.
West will go away for a long time after his legal difficulties are settled, I suspect, but he has been respectful, he brandished his guns on no one, and is, apparently receiving treatment for significant medical issues.
These two cases both feature guns. but they are not particularly comparable.
First time reader,life long Clevland sports fan and CCW cert. to carry a loaded weapon. After reading all the ops before my writing I felt compelled to speak in defense of carry.I do not have any mental problems other then being crazy about cleveland sports fan. There is common sense that says you point a weapon at someone loaded or unloaded is not cool, nor is riding around with loaded weapons. I carry when ever posible for protection and for defending myself. Intent is what is at issue here. One to cause fear, threaten, or scare. The other to protect one self
speaking as a responsible gun owner, two of the most basic rules in gun safety include:
1) always assume that the gun is loaded
2) *never* point a gun at something you do not wish to shoot.
arenas broke both of those rules, “playing” at being a gangster. but guns are not toys. treating them as such, especially in DC with the strict control was IMO more irresponsible an action. he’s got a 100 million dollar contract – why not go out and buy airsoft guns if he just wanted to fool around in the locker room? he still might take out an eyeball. but treating a gun like a toy is extremely irresponsible IMO.
delonte, OTOH, treated his firearms for what they were, items that are designed to hurt and kill others, and would not used them unless he truly believed he was bring threatened, even though the actual threat may have been entirely in his mind. delonte may even have a plausible defense of temporary insanity given that he was off his meds. but that* begs the question of whether someone who suffers from bipolar disorder should being allow to own firearms.