Alright folks, grab your popcorn because the story of Javaris Crittenton is one of those Hollywood-couldn’t-make-it-up tales that Netflix’s “Untold” series was practically born to dissect. We’re talking high-flying NBA dreams, a locker room drama that spiraled way out of control, and consequences so devastating they’ll leave you shaking your head. If you’re into celebrity news with a side of real-life cautionary tales, or you’ve just binged “Untold: Shooting Guards,” you know this isn’t just another sports story. It’s a human tragedy, a pop culture phenomenon, and a stark reminder of how quickly things can go south.
The sports world is littered with “what if” stories, but few are as jarring as Crittenton’s. This wasn’t just about a missed shot or a bad trade; this was about lives irrevocably changed, all stemming from an incident that, by some accounts, started as just another day of foolishness in the hyper-masculine world of professional sports.
The Kid with a Golden Arm: Early Promise
Let’s rewind a bit. Javaris Crittenton wasn’t just some guy; he was a dude on the court. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he was a standout point guard, even playing alongside future NBA star Dwight Howard in high school. Talk about a dynamic duo! After a solid season at Georgia Tech, the big league came calling. In the 2007 NBA Draft, Crittenton was selected 19th overall by the prestigious Los Angeles Lakers. That’s the dream, right? Playing for the Lakers? It’s like getting cast in a blockbuster your first time out.
He was a 6-foot-5 guard with athleticism and versatility. He even told ESPN before the draft, “I feel that I can run the show, distribute the ball, and score when needed to… I can shoot, handle the ball, handle pressure…” And for a while, it looked like he was set to do just that. He signed a guaranteed two-year rookie contract worth around $2.6 million. Not bad for a kid fresh out of college.
Cracks in the Foundation: LA Blues and a Troubling Turn
But the bright lights of LA weren’t all sunshine and rainbows for Crittenton. He appeared in 22 games for the Lakers, but the fit wasn’t quite right. Midway through his rookie season, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal that famously sent Pau Gasol to the Lakers. Ouch, talk about being a footnote in a legend’s story. While he saw more playing time in Memphis, his journey was far from stable. Before long, he was traded again, this time to the Washington Wizards.
It’s during this period that the “Untold” doc really digs in, painting a picture of a young man struggling. The source material highlights Crittenton becoming “so homesick, isolated and depressed while stuck on the fringes of the Lakers team that he joins notorious LA street gang the Crips, mainly for the company.” Wait, what? For company? That’s a chilling detail right there, a hint that maybe, just maybe, this young athlete wasn’t equipped to handle the pressures and loneliness that can come with NBA life, especially when you’re not the star player.
This lad could do the difficult bit and get the ball in the net, but could he withstand the pressure? Could anyone see the warning signs? The documentary suggests that elite sport often misses these cries for help.
The Infamous Showdown: When Pranks Go Horribly Wrong
Enter Gilbert Arenas, “Agent Zero,” the Wizards’ established star and notorious team prankster. Arenas was known for pushing buttons, a guy who, as he admits, was “always on that line” between being a prankster and going too far. When the nervous, defensive Crittenton arrived in Washington, it was a recipe for… well, disaster.
The fateful day was December 21, 2009 (though some reports say Christmas Eve). The spark? A gambling debt from a card game (booray, for those in the know) on a team flight. Tensions flared. Arenas, ever the instigator, saw a chance to “get a rise” out of Crittenton. According to the “Untold” doc and various reports, this escalated to talk of guns.
At the next training session, things got monumentally stupid. Arenas, in what he claims was a gag, laid three unloaded firearms on Crittenton’s chair. Crittenton, not to be outdone or perhaps genuinely feeling threatened, reportedly brought in a loaded gun of his own. Caron Butler, a teammate at the time, recalled Crittenton saying, “Oh no, you don’t need to shoot me with one of those. I’ve got one right here. “
Here’s the kicker, and it’s almost tragically comedic if it weren’t so serious: as the source material puts it, “apart from Crittenton alarming his teammates by throwing one of Arenas’s firearms across the room – it doesn’t go off – that’s it. Shots are not fired. It is no more than two boys being stupid.” Two boys being stupid, indeed. But the repercussions? Far from childish.
The Media Firestorm and Draconian Justice
The story, unsurprisingly, got out. And boy, did it get out. Respected national media outlets, as the documentary points out, allegedly added “entirely imaginary details to their versions.” Suddenly, these two young Black role models had, as it was gravely announced, “let everyone down. “
NBA Commissioner David Stern, keen to project a softer image for the league post-Malice at the Palace, came down hard. Both Arenas and Javaris Crittenton received the same hefty 50-game suspension without pay. This was particularly devastating for Crittenton, the less-established player. While Arenas, the star, eventually returned to the NBA (though his career was never quite the same, with stints for the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies, even playing against teams like the **New Orleans Hornets** before leaving the league in 2012), Crittenton’s NBA dream was over. The Wizards released him, and no other team picked him up. A career effectively ended by a prank war gone nuclear.
“It’s messed up how it all played out,” Crittenton said on Arenas’ podcast years later. “If people could’ve just seen the truth … and not twisted stories. Because you know negativity sells. Drama sells. And so they did their job. They created chaos. “
A Tragic Spiral: The Point of No Return
This is where the story takes its darkest turn. His NBA career in tatters, Crittenton returned to Atlanta. The visible wealth from his brief NBA stint, ironically, made him a target. In April 2011, he believed he’d been robbed of jewelry. Instead of letting the police handle it, Crittenton allegedly sought retaliation.
On August 19, 2011, while reportedly seeking revenge on the person he thought robbed him, Javaris Crittenton fired a gun from a vehicle. He missed his intended target. Instead, he tragically struck and killed Julian Jones, a 22-year-old mother of four, an innocent bystander. This single act sealed his fate in a way the locker room incident never could.
The manhunt ended with his arrest at an airport in California. Initially charged with murder, Crittenton eventually pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a weapon and aggravated assault in 2015. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison. “I apologize from the depths of my heart,” Crittenton said during his plea. “I’m not a murderer. I made a mistake, one that I wish I could take back. “
The “Untold: Shooting Guards” documentary, to its credit, doesn’t shy away from this. It includes an interview with Jones’s mother, emphasizing that the real victims are Jones and her family. Yet, as the review notes, “it is impossible not to also feel sympathy for the haunted Crittenton, who was never equipped to deal with his own talent or indeed Arenas.”
“Untold: Shooting Guards” – Peeling Back the Layers
The Netflix doc, premiering May 6th, promises a deeper dive, featuring firsthand accounts from both Arenas and Crittenton. It aims to show how “the latters life was forever changed.” It explores the “ruthless cruelties of top-level sport, and a society where some lonely, angry young men seem born to lose – even if they really should be winners. “
Arenas himself, reflecting on the documentary and the incident, stated, “Our decisions that day ruined his life.” It’s a heavy admission, one that underscores the documentary’s theme of how quickly things can unravel. The film appears to be a compelling narrative, a story of “two basketball careers—one that made it, and one that didn’t,” using the gun incident as the fulcrum.
Where is Javaris Crittenton Now?
After serving 10 years, Javaris Crittenton was released from prison in April 2023. His sentence was reduced, but he’s now on intensive probation for five years, complete with a monitoring device, a strict curfew, and a staggering 7,200 hours of community service. His attorney stated Crittenton is “committed to using his story to help others avoid similar paths. “
Upon release, he expressed gratitude on Instagram: “GOD IS BEYOND MERCIFUL..Thank you to everyone that has prayed for me, believed in me, & helped to bring me home.” He’s been spending time with his two sons and sharing his testimony at youth organizations. In a poignant January 2024 post, he reflected, “Once upon a time I fumbled it all….came back and recovered everything and everybody that was meant for me. God is merciful and amazing. Im thankful. “
Life after prison hasn’t been without further incident, though. Just two months after his release, his vehicle was struck by a police officer in pursuit of a suspect, leading Crittenton to file a lawsuit seeking millions in damages for alleged serious injuries.
The Lasting Echo: More Than Just a Sports Scandal
So, what do we make of the Javaris Crittenton story? Is it just another tale of an athlete gone wrong? Or is it something more? It’s arguably a potent cocktail of immaturity, immense pressure, a lack of guidance, and a system that perhaps doesn’t know how to handle young men thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The “Shooting Guards” title itself is an eerie double entendre – the basketball position both men played, and the grim reality of what transpired.
The story of Javaris Crittenton serves as a chilling case study. A young man from the 2007 NBA Draft class, once wearing the famed purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers, found his life veering off into unimaginable darkness. Could better mentorship have saved him? Was the media narrative fair? Did the punishment fit the initial “crime” in the locker room, or did it inadvertently push a vulnerable individual further down a destructive path?
“Untold: Shooting Guards” doesn’t just rehash a scandal; it forces us to look at the human cost. It’s a reminder that behind the headlines and the highlight reels are complex individuals navigating a world that can be both exhilarating and unforgiving. Javaris Crittenton’s journey is a tragic one, a devastating tale of potential lost and lives shattered, a story that lingers long after the credits roll. And perhaps, just perhaps, it’s a story that can teach us something about empathy, accountability, and the razor’s edge between triumph and tragedy in the dazzling, often deceptive, world of professional sports and celebrity.
Beyond the Headlines: Our Deep Dive into “Untold: Shooting Guards”
So, we’ve walked through the gut-wrenching timeline of Javaris Crittenton’s rise and fall. The original article paints a vivid picture, and as it rightly points out, Netflix’s “Untold: Shooting Guards” is front and center in bringing this complex story to a wider audience. But with so much already known, does the doc itself score, or does it just rehash old news? We pressed play, grabbed our own (metaphorical) popcorn, and here’s our take – is it a must-watch, or just another entry in the true crime/sports doc avalanche?
The Good Stuff: Why “Shooting Guards” Hits the Mark
Let’s be real, the “Untold” series generally knows how to spin a compelling yarn, and “Shooting Guards” is largely no exception. Here’s what they absolutely nailed:
- Unprecedented Access & Candor: Getting both Javaris Crittenton (post-release, no less!) and Gilbert Arenas to sit down and spill the beans is a major win. Their firsthand accounts, raw emotions, and reflections add layers you just can’t get from old news clippings. Arenas, true to form, is unfiltered, while Crittenton’s perspective, filled with regret and a desire for redemption, is undeniably powerful.
- Context is King: The doc does a solid job of setting the scene – the pressure cooker of the NBA, the locker room dynamics, Arenas’s “Agent Zero” persona, and Crittenton’s vulnerabilities. It helps you understand (though not excuse) how things could escalate so disastrously from a card game dispute.
- The Human Element: Beyond the scandal, it attempts to humanize the figures involved. You see the charisma that made Arenas a star, the potential that Crittenton had, and the devastating ripple effects of their actions. Crucially, as mentioned in the main story, the inclusion of Julian Jones’s mother ensures the true victim isn’t forgotten, grounding the narrative in the tragic reality of her death.
- Slick Production: Visually, it’s what you’d expect from a high-profile Netflix production. Archival footage, dramatic recreations (used sparingly, thankfully), and the interview setups are all top-notch, making for an engaging watch.
Points to Ponder: Where It Fumbles a Bit
No doc is perfect, right? While “Shooting Guards” scores high, there are a couple of moments where we wished for a slightly different play call:
- More Voices, Maybe? While Crittenton and Arenas are the marquee interviews, hearing more from other teammates, coaches, or even journalists who covered it at the time might have added further depth or challenged the narratives presented. Caron Butler’s perspective is noted in the article, and seeing more of that ilk would be welcome.
- The “Why” Beyond the Prank: The doc covers the “what” and “how” brilliantly. It touches on Crittenton’s alleged gang involvement for “company,” which is a bombshell. Perhaps a little more exploration of the systemic pressures or lack of support systems for young athletes struggling with isolation and mental health could have elevated it even further.
The Final Whistle: Should You Stream It?
Absolutely, yes. Despite any minor quibbles, “Untold: Shooting Guards” is a compelling, often unsettling, and deeply human documentary that does justice to a story far more complex than the initial headlines suggested.
If you’ve read this far into Javaris Crittenton’s story, the documentary is essential viewing. It’s not just for NBA fans or true crime aficionados; it’s for anyone interested in the human condition, the fragility of fame, and the long shadow of choices made in moments of madness. It powerfully complements the narrative we’ve explored, bringing faces, voices, and raw emotion to the saga.
The documentary serves as a potent reminder of the themes discussed: the immense pressure on young athletes, the ease with which lives can be derailed, and the often-blurred lines between immaturity and devastating consequences. It’s a story that will stick with you, prompting reflection on responsibility, redemption, and the systems that shape (and sometimes fail) talented individuals.
Your Turn! What Did You Think?
Have you watched “Untold: Shooting Guards”? Did it change your perspective on the Javaris Crittenton and Gilbert Arenas incident? What other sports stories do you think deserve the “Untold” treatment? Drop your thoughts, reactions, and hot takes in the comments below – let’s get the conversation going! We’re all ears (or, well, eyes for reading!).
Key Questions About Javaris Crittenton’s Story Answered
What was the infamous gun incident involving Javaris Crittenton and Gilbert Arenas?
The incident on December 21, 2009, stemmed from a gambling debt. Gilbert Arenas brought three unloaded firearms to the locker room as a prank directed at Crittenton. Crittenton reportedly responded by bringing a loaded gun. While no shots were fired in the locker room, the confrontation led to both players receiving hefty 50-game suspensions from the NBA, effectively ending Crittenton’s career in the league.
What crime was Javaris Crittenton convicted of and what was his sentence?
Javaris Crittenton was arrested for the August 2011 shooting death of Julian Jones, a 22-year-old mother of four, after he fired a gun seeking retaliation for a robbery. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a weapon and aggravated assault. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
Where is Javaris Crittenton now?
Javaris Crittenton was released from prison in April 2023 after serving 10 years. He is currently on intensive probation for five years, which includes wearing a monitoring device, a strict curfew, and completing 7,200 hours of community service. He has expressed intentions to use his story to help others.
Javaris Crittenton’s Saga: A Lingering Lesson
“Untold: Shooting Guards” doesn’t just rehash a scandal; it forces us to look at the human cost. It’s a reminder that behind the headlines and the highlight reels are complex individuals navigating a world that can be both exhilarating and unforgiving. Javaris Crittenton’s journey is a tragic one, a devastating tale of potential lost and lives shattered, a story that lingers long after the credits roll. And perhaps, just perhaps, it’s a story that can teach us something about empathy, accountability, and the razor’s edge between triumph and tragedy in the dazzling, often deceptive, world of professional sports and celebrity.
