Just The Facts On Gilbert Arenas: If Guilty, He Should Be Punished

Jan 5, 2010

Washington, DC - Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, issued the following statement today about Washington Wizards basketball player Gilbert Arenas:

"If Gilbert Arenas brought firearms into the District of Columbia and stored them at the Verizon Center sports arena in violation of the law, he should be taken from the basketball court to a courtroom.  If found guilty, he should be punished to the full extent of the law, including jail time if appropriate.

"If the facts that have been reported in the media are accurate, Mr. Arenas violated the most fundamental rule of responsible gun owners: treat every gun as if it were loaded.  Guns are not toys, and should not be treated as a joke.

"Too many cities with National Basketball Association franchises - cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Orlando, Chicago and Washington D.C. - also have profound gun violence problems.  In a city where children die in drive-by shootings, an NBA player who is reckless with firearms is far from a role model.  America’s athletic community can and should use its clout and prestige to push for desperately needed positive reforms to address our nation’s horrific gun violence problem."

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As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.