Netflix's "Untold: Shooting Guards" explores the scandal that rocked the NBA
- The Real Perspectives
- May 7
- 2 min read
Updated: May 22
Reel Perspectives
May 7, 2025
The newest documentary by Netflix, Untold: Shooting Guards, premiered on May 6, giving viewers an inside look into the infamous gun controversy in December 2009 that rocked the NBA to its core, ruining the reputation of former three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and abruptly ending the young and promising career of Javaris Crittenton, leading the latter down a dark path of violence.
In Netflix's "Untold" sports documentary series, the latest one is packed with harrowing details and revealing insight into their childhoods and upbringing that have irrevocably shaped the two stars whose paths would intertwine both playing for the Washington Wizards under the bright lights of the NBA providing the fame, success and egoes that comes with being a professional athlete. For Crittenton, who came from humble beginnings in Atlanta but was drafted to the LA Lakers, isolation and temptation drew him to join the LA street gang, the Crips, where he found solace before being traded to the Washington Wizards. Arenas grew up in Southern California with a single parent. By the time Crittenton got to the Wizards, Arenas was already an established member and face of the team.
Escalating beef between the two players prompted both men to bring guns to their lockers, revealed by NBA reporter Peter Vecsey, who broke the story that led to a 50-game suspension for both men, effectively ruining Crittenton's career when he was let go by the Wizards. Returning to Atlanta, he found himself involved in a shooting incident, only this time it ended fatally when he accidentally shot and killed a woman, Julian Jones, a 22-year-old mother of four, leading to his 10-year prison sentence, where he pled guilty to manslaughter. Arenas, who returned to the NBA, found a modicum of success before retiring with his legacy tarnished.
Directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández, the documentary wonderfully explores through raw first-hand accounts by prominent figureheads in the league, including the mother of the woman whose life tragically ended. Detailing the trajectory of Arenas and Crittenton before and after the life-altering incident is a documentary worth watching. With fascinating details about each player, the documentary reveals the highs and lows of success, where two men were destined for greatness but were abruptly cut short by one defining moment.
The "Untold" documentary series continues with Untold: The Liver King, which will premiere on May 13, followed by Untold: The Fall of Favre on May 20.
Don't miss Untold: Shooting Guards, which is currently streaming on Netflix.
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