Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is back in the headlines—and not for anything happening on the basketball court. The 43-year-old, once a top scorer for the Washington Wizards and a former Memphis Grizzlies player, was arrested along with five others, including a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime group, over allegations of running an illegal high-stakes gambling ring at a lavish Los Angeles mansion.
The shocking bust has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, reigniting interest in Arenas’ post-basketball life, which now appears to have taken a very dark turn.
What We Know About the Charges
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, federal prosecutors allege that from September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas and his associates hosted exclusive “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games at a luxury residence in Encino, California. These weren’t just casual games. They included a full suite of services—chefs, valets, armed guards, and women who served drinks, provided massages, and offered “companionship” to players.
The games reportedly charged a “rake”, or a cut from each pot, making the operation a clear violation of federal gambling laws.
Arenas is facing three serious charges:
- Conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business
- Operating an illegal gambling business
- Making false statements to federal investigators
The indictment even refers to Arenas by his old NBA nickname, “Agent Zero,” a throwback to his time as a fearless scorer in Washington.
If convicted, Arenas could face up to five years in federal prison per count.
Social Media Buzz: Laura Govan Posts Cryptic Message
As news of Arenas’ arrest spread, his ex-girlfriend Laura Govan—mother of his four children, Izela, Alijah, Hamiley, and Aloni—took to Instagram with what many believe is a subtle reaction.
In a Story video showing her painting, Govan captioned it: “Needed to clear my head.” While she didn’t mention Arenas directly, the timing raised eyebrows and speculation online. Neither Govan nor Arenas has made an official statement addressing the charges.
One Co-Defendant Faces Even More Trouble
One of Arenas’ co-defendants, who is allegedly tied to an Israeli crime syndicate, faces additional federal charges of marriage fraud and falsifying immigration documents—charges that carry serious penalties of their own.
The Rise and Fall of Agent Zero
Gilbert Arenas was once one of the NBA’s brightest stars. Known as “Hibachi” for his ability to heat up quickly on the court, he averaged 20.7 points per game across his 11-season career. His peak years came with the Washington Wizards between 2004 and 2011, when he was a three-time All-Star and a household name in NBA circles.
But Arenas’ career nosedived in 2010 after an infamous incident involving firearms in the locker room, where he and teammate Javaris Crittenton allegedly pulled guns on each other over a gambling debt. He was suspended for the rest of the season, and though he returned briefly, he never regained his All-Star form. He ended his professional career in China in 2013.
What’s Next for His Family?
Gilbert’s son, Alijah Arenas, is making his own name in basketball circles. A highly regarded high school player in Los Angeles, Alijah recently joined the University of Southern California (USC). However, his college debut is on hold as he recovers from knee surgery, with rehab expected to take a few more months.
Trial Date Set
Arenas pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Los Angeles and was released on a $50,000 bond. His trial is scheduled to begin on September 23.
For now, “Agent Zero” finds himself far from the court—and right in the middle of a high-stakes legal battle.