NBA Players Allowed to Possess Guns!
Posted by FirearmsTruth on January 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Last month’s disturbing incident, which allegedly involved NBA player Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards drawing a gun on a teammate, is something we haven’t really been following. There isn’t much to say. Guns aren’t toys and anyone brandishing a firearm in such a way should face severe punishment! There should be no exception, even for those rich and famous.
But what is now on radar is that the media has picked up on a few facets of the story. A recent story in The New York Daily News included this passage:
“An incident involving Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas in which he allegedly drew a firearm on a teammate has set off a firestorm of opinion among current NBA players, who tell of a flourishing gun culture in the NBA. If true, it could spell trouble for NBA commissioner David Stern.”
The issue we see is not the “gun culture” but rather the “thug” or “gangsta” culture. Guns in themselves aren’t the issue, but rather that the player apparently – at least judged by the actions of Arenas – seem to believe that the guns are something that back up words in situations where no such back up is needed. In the case of Arenas the incident was sparked over gambling debts owed to another player!
While the article further suggests that many players carrying firearms for protection, with one player noting that there have been robberies involving players, we wonder whether these millionaires can’t hire some sort of bodyguards instead. Failing that we suggest some actual firearm training, and maybe learn some respect for their guns.
But this isn’t our only issue either. What is disturbing is this later passage in the Daily News coverage:
“The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement permits players to legally possess firearms, but not at league facilities.”
While we have no problem with the league banning firearms at its facilities, we have to ask why it is necessary that the NBA “permits players to legally possess firearms.” Isn’t that something that the Second Amendment should do? Could we see a future where giving up your guns is the only way you can get a job – even one that pays millions of dollars to play a sport?
