Guns, Guilt, and Redemption: The Untold Story of Arenas and Crittenton

Video Courtesy: Netflix

When most people think of the infamous locker room gun incident involving the Washington Wizards, the name that comes to mind is Gilbert Arenas. But Netflix’s Untold: Shooting Guard reminds us that he wasn’t the only player involved. Atlanta native Javaris Crittenton also played a central role in the 2009 scandal—one that ultimately altered the trajectory of both men’s lives.

The documentary explores the very different upbringings of Arenas and Crittenton. While they came from contrasting environments, fate placed them on the same roster in 2008 with the Washington Wizards. What followed was a heated locker room dispute that escalated into one of the most shocking off-court incidents in NBA history.

Untold details the events that led up to the altercation and how the story broke, thanks to longtime NBA journalist Peter Vecsey. Arenas opens up about the punishment that followed, saying he believes the real reason for his 50-game suspension had more to do with how the firearms were transported. “I am getting 50 games for my behavior,” he states, but points to the optics of using NBA planes to “traffic” guns from Arizona to his home in Virginia as a major factor. “Did I deserve it? Yeah,” he admits, though the implications of that transportation may have amplified the league’s response.

The documentary then turns its focus to Crittenton, whose career and life took a far more tragic turn. After brief stints with a few NBA teams and a stop in China, he returned to his childhood neighborhood near Cleveland Avenue in Atlanta. In 2011, after being robbed at gunpoint outside a barbershop, Crittenton chose not to rely on law enforcement and instead sought revenge.

He recalls having a vivid dream where he says God warned him: “You about to throw your whole… everything away. Don’t do whatever you are thinking about doing.” Despite that warning, he acted. In a failed attempt to target Trontavious Stephens, he instead killed Julian Jones—a 22-year-old mother of four and an innocent bystander. At just 23 years old, Crittenton was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

The documentary treats Julian Jones’ story with care and respect, featuring interviews with her mother and showcasing powerful images that humanize her beyond the headlines. Her death is a heartbreaking reminder of how far-reaching the consequences of that locker room moment would become.

Crittenton has since been released after serving 10 years, a decision met with frustration and sorrow from Jones’ family. Meanwhile, Arenas and Crittenton have reconciled, finding peace and forgiveness in the years since.

Arenas went on to play for the Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, and Shanghai Sharks. He now hosts two successful podcasts—Gil’s Arena and No Chill with Gilbert Arenas. His son, Alijah Arenas, is a five-star basketball recruit committed to USC.

Untold: Shooting Guard is a cautionary tale about choices, consequences, and accountability. It’s emotional, compelling, and sobering. Arenas takes full responsibility for his role in the incident and reflects on how it may have influenced Crittenton’s path. Likewise, Crittenton acknowledges not only his part in the locker room situation but the devastating impact of Julian Jones’ murder—especially on her children.

This documentary is one of the most powerful installments in the Untold series. It’s a must-watch—and now streaming on Netflix.