David Stern's Statement: NBA Suspends Gilbert Arenas

Via Sporting News, a copy of David Stern’s full statement regarding Arenas’ suspension.

“The possession of firearms by an NBA player in an NBA arena is a matter of the utmost concern to us. I initially thought it prudent to refrain from taking immediate action because of the pendency of a criminal investigation involving the office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and the Metropolitan Police Department, and the consideration of this matter by a grand jury sitting in the District of Columbia. For the same reason, I directed the Wizards to refrain from taking any action.

Wizards personnel continue to be interviewed by law enforcement authorities, some are scheduled for appearance before the grand jury and the investigation is proceeding with the intensity that one would expect for such a serious incident.

Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game. Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA."

Again, ominous words from Commissioner Stern, who’s clearly displeased with Arenas’ antics last night, and in the days following the initial report. So far, there’s been very little in the way of remorse from the Wizards’ superstar, something that no doubt factored into Stern’s decision to act now. It was a public relations crisis the moment it happened, but it seems — in Stern’s eyes, at least — that Gilbert’s words and actions in the wake of the allegations have compounded matters.