The indictment claims that from September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas and five other defendants, including Yevgeni Gershman—a suspected Israeli organized crime figure—hosted high-stakes illegal poker games at a mansion in Encino owned by Arenas. The group allegedly managed “Pot Limit Omaha” and other poker games, collecting a rake from each pot and employing staff such as chefs, valets, security, and service personnel. Players and employees were required to pay various fees and taxes from their earnings.
Arenas, who was drafted in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors and later became a three-time NBA All-Star with the Washington Wizards, averaged 20.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game over his 12-year career. His off-court activities have drawn scrutiny in recent years, as detailed in the indictment. For more details on his career, see his official NBA profile at NBA.com.
Arenas and the other defendants face up to five years in federal prison for each count if convicted. All individuals named in the indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Ongoing investigations are being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation.
For updates and Arenas’ latest commentary, visit his official account @NoChillGilZero on X.com.