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The much-anticipated documentary series Untold returns with a gripping tale of conflict, guns, and a toxic locker room culture in its latest episode, Shooting Guards. Premiering exclusively on Netflix from May 5, 2025, the documentary delves into one of the NBA’s most controversial episodes, leaving viewers with far more questions than easy answers.

From Card Game to Gunshow

In 2009, Gilbert Arenas and his Washington Wizards teammate, Javaris Crittenton, were involved in a bitter feud that culminated in an unprecedented scene in professional sports. At the heart of the matter was a simple card game gone awry, but as Untold: Shooting Guards reveals, there was much more to the story.

After a discussion escalated on a flight from Phoenix, Arenas returned to the locker room with three unloaded firearms. Crittenton responded by pulling out a gun of his own, claiming “I have one of mine too.” The scene shocked the NBA world, leading to suspensions, investigations, and a fall from grace for both players.

Beyond the Headlines

More than just a chronicle of events, Untold: Shooting Guards seeks to understand the root causes behind the astonishing turn of events. Through exclusive interviews with the two protagonists, their teammates, managers, family members, and reporters, the documentary uncovers a toxic spiral of silences, pride, impunity, and constant pressure.

In this environment, sports rivalry fostered a dangerous culture where ‘being a man’ was intertwined with domination and aggression.

Consequences and Fallout

The repercussions were severe. Arenas, one of the NBA’s rising stars, was suspended for the remainder of the season and charged with illegal firearm possession. Crittenton’s career slowly crumbled, culminating in a sentence for culpable murder after a brief stint in the G-League and overseas experiences. He was released from prison in 2023.

Systemic Issues and Cultural Reflections

Untold: Shooting Guards uses their story not just to sensationalize their downfall but as a lens to examine the operation and malfunction of the professional sports system. It raises questions about the pressure athletes face, the role of the environment, and the disastrous effects of a culture where aggression is a virtue and silence a sign of maturity.

The Documentaries’ Impact

Since its release, the documentary has sparked intense debate on social media, with viewers grappling with the disbelief of the headlines from a decade ago and reflecting on the broader implications of competitive pressure and toxic masculinity.

More Than Just a Story

Untold: Shooting Guards does more than recount a controversial story – it invites viewers to ask uncomfortable questions. What kind of pressure are athletes really facing? How much does the environment matter, and how much the individual? And perhaps most importantly, what happens when young athletes, in a hypercompetitive context, are left to manage conflicts using only the language they’ve been taught?

FAQ

Who were the players involved in the 2009 NBA locker room incident?

Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton, teammates on the Washington Wizards.

What was the central dispute between Arenas and Crittenton?

An argument over a card game escalated into a heated exchange.

Pro Tip

icuriosi to learn more about the NBA’s response to similar incidents? Read our in-depth article on Analyzing the NBA’s response to league troubles.

Call to Action

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the documentary and the issues it raises. Share your opinions in the comments or on our social media platforms!

Did you know?

This isn’t the first time the Untold series has delved into controversial sports stories. Catch up on previous episodes to learn more about the complex world of professional sports.