Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was arrested and charged with allegedly running a high-stakes poker ring out of his home in Los Angeles in July 2025. At the time, Arenas was charged along with five other defendants, along with an Israeli man, whom the prosecutors openly claimed was suspected of being a figure of organized crime.
According to a new report from KTLA5, the man identified as Yevgeni Gershman was previously convicted in Israel. While others wait to be charged, Gershman has pleaded guilty to four counts: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, immigration fraud, money laundering, and illegally possessing a firearm.
Under a plea agreement, Gershman faces a 24-month prison sentence, three years of supervised release and a fine amounting to $50,000.
A report regarding this information was shared on social media by KTLA5 and drew a reaction from Arenas. The three-time All-Star wrote a message in the post’s comments section.
“I never knew,” Arenas wrote.
According to reports from the initial arrest, Gershman was also allegedly behind the hiring of young women to “serve drinks, provide massages and offer companionship” to players, in exchange for tips.
This does not mark Arenas’ first time facing legal trouble. The former Washington Wizards guard was charged with illegal gun possession in 2010 after drawing a gun in the team’s locker room.
Gilbert Arenas recounts how his arrest related to a gambling probe unfolded
While Gilbert Arenas made light of his arrest, posting a video on Instagram shortly after being released, he recently shared details of the event that make the severity of it clear.
During an appearance on “The Richard Show,” Arenas shared details of how the FBI took him in.
“Yes, (there was a helicopter), but no battering ram. It took them too long to get up the stairs,” Arenas told Richard Jefferson. “(They have me) surrounded. Come outside with your hands up. So, you know, with all the rays, I just thought they came and got me.”
Arenas also shared that he was unaware of what he was being arrested for at the time.
“When I got out, and I was looking online, I was like, ‘Oh, oh my God.’ I thought it was the other thing,” Arenas said jokingly.
Gershman remains the only person from the arrests at Arenas’ home to plead guilty. The rest are still awaiting a trial after pleading not guilty.
Read More: Gilbert Arenas Accuses Chicago Sky GM of ‘Personal’ Vendetta Against Angel Reese
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