Wizards’ Gilbert Arenas Fined for Refusing to Speak to Media

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Oct 13, 2009

Wizards' Gilbert Arenas Fined for Refusing to Speak to Media It happened to LeBron James last year, but somehow, Gilbert Arenas didn't get the memo: When you refuse to talk to the media, you pay. Literally.

The Wizards guard and his team were fined $25,000 apiece on Tuesday because Arenas hasn't been talking to the press before and after exhibition games, according to ESPN.com.

The fact that Arenas is suddenly so unwilling to speak is surprising. He is known for his outspokenness and his big personality. He even stopped producing his blog and has refused to administer interviews since Washington's official media day on Sept. 28.

"I'm not the entertainer anymore," Arenas said at the time. "I don't feel like speaking anymore. I just want to go out there and play. If I'm not going to get fined, I don't think you're going to hear me again. I don't have a blog. I don't have a tweeter. When I was entertaining, all you guys focused on was my words. Now I'd rather you just focus on my basketball."

Arenas did indicate that he will resume interviews when the league mandates it.

Arenas' sudden reticence could be a sign that he is looking to hone in on his basketball skills after playing in just 15 games over the past two seasons due to three knee surgeries. He was fined for refusing to speak to the media in September 2008.

Throughout parts of eight seasons in the NBA, Arenas has averaged 22.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He is currently in the second year of a six-year, $111 million contract extension.

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