Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas is not completely unfamiliar with the law. However, in a recent episode of the “All The Smoke” podcast, Arenas had to share a word of advice for others out there when it comes to stepping out of the house at night. He said:
“You should never leave your home after a certain time. It doesn’t make sense. There’s nothing out there. The worst cops in the world, they log in at 10 pm. They know that’s when they s**t happens, that’s what they want. So the most aggressive minds are active at that time.”
“They don’t even know the difference between who you are when they pull you over,” he added. “So don’t even put yourself into situations.”
“There’s nothing out there.”
Gil drops his 10 PM rule to live by 🫡
Watch ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged with Gilbert Arenas on YouTube! pic.twitter.com/9bc19OyHKA
— All the Smoke (@allthesmokeprod) May 28, 2025
Arenas’ experience with legal authorities has been viewed as a common occurrence across the United States. Racially motivated acts against minority communities have routinely raised alarms and concerns for people, especially those in relatively impoverished neighborhoods.
Arenas, who was born in Tampa, FL, comes from a city where the crime rate is considered higher than the national average. Meanwhile, podcast host Matt Barnes, who was born in Santa Clara, a relatively low-crime-rate area in California, could still resonate with Arenas’ train of thought.
NBA players, like Jaxson Hayes, have also been victims of police abuse. Hayes, who was being arrested for a domestic dispute, was subjected to excessive force when an LAPD sergeant put his knee on the center’s neck for resisting arrest.
In this context, several NBA players have had to deal with legal authorities for their actions.
Arenas himself is a prime example. While his gun scandal is the story that brought him infamy, Arenas was arrested once while riding a motorcycle without tags. Former NBA player Jerry Stackhouse appeared on the “No Chill” podcast to detail how he bailed his teammate out.
Arenas’ rule simply highlights the concerns he has for himself and his family. Considering the kind of violence that individuals in minority communities have had to face, even in recent years, the former NBA player has taken a more conservative stance to prevent further harm.
In this scenario, Arenas becomes the voice of concern, potentially with reference to his son, Alijah. The Chatsworth High School guard and USC commit was involved in a dangerous car accident that required him to be placed in a medically induced coma to facilitate recovery.
Although he made it through and is on track to make a full recovery, Arenas detailed his concerns while detailing the events leading up to the accident in a recent podcast appearance.
