NBA Clubs Review Gambling Policies

The Washington Wizards and New Jersey Nets have banned gambling on team flights in the wake of the sage involving star point guard Gilbert Arenas, but several other teams have said they will not follow suit.

The issue of gambling amongst NBA players hit the headlines after it was revealed that Arenas had brought guns into the Wizards' locker room following a dispute over debts from card games.

Arenas has been suspended indefinitely by the club.

While the National Football League has banned players from gambling while on team business, the NBA allows each club to set its own policy, something it reaffirmed in a statement following the Arenas incident.

The Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats, Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers have already said that they will not restrict card games amongst players, citing the fact that players use it as a release from the pressures of professional basketball.

Suns' general manager Steve Kerr summed up this view, saying that player gambling was not a concern.

"Our guys play cards, and it's a big part of what they do in terms of bonding, relaxing and having fun. We don't have high-stakes games... I would never take that away from them," he was quoted as saying by USA Today.