Gilbert Arena's Suspension: Fair Punishment or Too Harsh? (cost, legal)

[normie]

Well, I guess the indefinite suspension is a moot point now. The U.S. Attorney's office filed a felony gun charge against him today. Wonder if he'll end up doing jail time?

[terrence81]

I don't know I think its a shame really. I mentioned this on the DC thread too. He broke the law and there are consequences but the felony gun charges are too much. If this had happened in Virginia maybe misdemeanor misconduct charges but felony gun possession?! No way too harsh. In DC though it is illegal for a non-resident to bring a gun into the city limits, which I did not know. So even though perfectly legal in Virginia felony in the District that's crazy.

I mean the guy lives in McLean he doesn't need a gun in McLean but in the District a whole other story. In a way its good for me that this was brought into the news. I had thougth about getting a gun to keep in the car because I got mugged/car jacked a few months ago. But if I pulled out a gun and defended myself I could've gone to jail on felony charges at that. This is hpothetical guns creep me out so doubt I'll be getting one but yeah the District is going overboard. Bring felony charges to some of those hoodlums in NE mugging folks and killing kids not people defending themselves.

[normie]

Originally Posted by terrence81

I In a way its good for me that this was brought into the news. I had thougth about getting a gun to keep in the car because I got mugged/car jacked a few months ago. But if I pulled out a gun and defended myself I could've gone to jail on felony charges at that.

I think a lot of people are thinking similar things right now.

[oneasterisk]

I hope they throw the full 5 years that this charge is eligible for, and this is coming from a gunowner. The reason I say this is because Arenas has already shown he is not a responsible gun owner:

"He was found guilty of possessing an unregistered firearm during a traffic stop in 2003 in San Francisco."

Wizards&#39 Arenas to appear in court on gun charge | InsideNova.com (http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/wizards_arenas_to_appear_in_court_on_gun_charge/50471/ - broken link)

No one should be above the law. He gives responsible gun owners a bad rap.

[terrence81]

Originally Posted by oneasterisk

I hope they throw the full 5 years that this charge is eligible for, and this is coming from a gunowner. The reason I say this is because Arenas has already shown he is not a responsible gun owner:

"He was found guilty of possessing an unregistered firearm during a traffic stop in 2003 in San Francisco."

Wizards' Arenas to appear in court on gun charge | InsideNova.com (http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/wizards_arenas_to_appear_in_court_on_gun_charge/50471/ - broken link)

No one should be above the law. He gives responsible gun owners a bad rap.

Interesting point. I still think the felony gun charges are a bit much. I guess I just didn't know it was a felony I would've thought this was a misdemeanor requiring short term probation at best. I just didn't know gun laws were so serious.

I can def see your point. I don't know I used to be very anti-gun. Had this been a year ago I'd be like throw the book at him but like I said after the whole mugging/car jacking incident I definitely sing a different tune.

[oneasterisk]

It's good that you're taking this as a reality check. If you're going to take the responsibility of carrying a firearm for protection, then you MUST know the laws.

[normie]

Originally Posted by oneasterisk

I hope they throw the full 5 years that this charge is eligible for, and this is coming from a gunowner. The reason I say this is because Arenas has already shown he is not a responsible gun owner:

"He was found guilty of possessing an unregistered firearm during a traffic stop in 2003 in San Francisco."

Wizards' Arenas to appear in court on gun charge | InsideNova.com (http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/wizards_arenas_to_appear_in_court_on_gun_charge/50471/ - broken link)

No one should be above the law. He gives responsible gun owners a bad rap.

What an interesting point. I didn't know this. You're right, having faced a charge like this before he had absolutely no excuse.

[Workin_Hard]

Originally Posted by oneasterisk

He sure does look remorseful...

I'll bet Homie's not laughing now...

[Guamanians]

I also think the felony charge is too much. Gilbert was dumb to bring guns to verizon center, but lets look at some facts.
1. (as far as we know) the guns were unloaded
2. The guns were legally registered to him
3. We have a right to bear arms

Now I know that DC has their own gun laws, but we have to ask ourselves if his actions warrant a FELONY? If someone can prove that the guns were loaded then maybe I'll think otherwise. I think Gilbert's lack of remorse was probably the turning point for any sympathy or lienency. In that respect he shot himself in the foot :-)

[Workin_Hard]

Originally Posted by Guamanians

I also think the felony charge is too much.

I disagree. The man has been handed life's golden opportunity and continues to act like a street thug. What does it take to get through to him? As I said earlier, were I to do something similar, it would no tonly cost me my present job but also my career. This isn't an "Opps!" kind of mistake. His bringing multiple guns into his workplace was done with forethought. His lack of remorse only makes him look even more that he thinks the rules don't apply to him. I think the punishment of any crime or violation should be enough to make a lasting impression and stop any further instances - and he's been caught on weapons violations before.

(I also think HOV violation tickets should start at $1000!)

Guilty!