Javaris Crittenton, the former first-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers and 19th overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, was indicted on Tuesday on charges of murder and gang activity, according to reports. Crittenton is a suspect in the 2011 shooting death of an Atlanta woman and the attempted murder of another man, according to the Fulton County District Attorney's office.
The woman killed in 2011, Julian Jones, a mother of two, was shot while walking with a group of people, and could have been retaliation for Crittenton having $50,000 worth of jewelry stolen from him.
Crittenton is no stranger to gun-related issues. In 2009, he made major headlines for pulling a gun on All-Star guard and teammate Gilbert Arenas in the Washington Wizards locker room. Their altercation stemmed from a gambling debt that had yet to be settled. Arenas had brought four guns to the locker room that were accompanied by a sign that read "Pick 1." Crittenton responded by taking out his own weapon. He was suspended for 38 games on account of the incident, and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge.
After the 2011 shooting, Crittenton was released on bond but had another scrape with the law. He was arrested for speeding in his Porsche in Riverdale, Georgia, which is about 15 miles away from Atlanta. He also refused to exit his car when ordered by an officer and would not sign his ticket.
Crittenton will plead not guilty to the charges facing him, according to his attorney Brian Steel. ""Mr. Crittenton and I look forward to proceeding to a jury trial, where the jury will be able to hear and see all of the evidence and reach a lawful, just, and proper verdict of not guilty," Steel said Tuesday night, adding that he disputes the notion the ex-NBA player was involved in any gang activity."
In his NBA career, Crittenton played for the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and Wizards. He averaged 5.3 points per game in his brief, two-year career.
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