Former NBA Star Antoine Walker Faces 12 Years in Prison

A judge ruled that former NBA star Antoine Walker must stand trial over unpaid gambling debts. Walker owed nearly $1 million to three different casinos. In Las Vegas, unpaid markers to casinos are treated like bad checks, so Walker could face significant prison time for his alleged activities. Walker has earned more than $100 million during his NBA career, but he is now reportedly broke, declaring bankruptcy last year.

Monday, Walker appeared before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Melanie Andress-Tobiasson. Walker, who won an NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2006, remains free without bail until June 30, when he will be arraigned in state court. The judge expressed concern that Walker had not made progress on repaying $770,000 that he still owes on a promise to pay $905,050 in restitution, court fees and penalties. If he is convicted, he could face 12 years in prison.

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NBA Players Without a Title

Charles Barkley (1984-2000)
Barkley could out-muscle and out-rebound anyone on the court, he had attitude, earned 11 NBA All-Star Game appearances and two Olympic gold medals and was always good for a colorful quote. But alas, never ever once did he win a NBA title. Barkley came close to championship glory in 1993, when he led the Phoenix Suns to a berth in the 1993 NBA Finals. However, the Suns lost to some fella named Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games.

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NBA Players Without a Title

Karl Malone (1985-2004)
He's considered the one of the greatest power forwards of all time, but the mailman didn't deliver a title. The Utah Jazz went to the conference title twice, but sadly there was a man named Michael Jordan standing (or dunking) in Malone and the Jazz's way in 1997 and 1998. As a Los Angeles Laker he did get to the NBA Finals with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, but dreams of championship bling were shot down by the Detroit Pistons.

NBA Players Without a Title

Patrick Ewing (1985 - 2002)
It was "our year" ever year for the Knicks, and every year they and the big man fell short. His final years were plagued by injuries and he ended his career with the Orlando Magic in 2002.

NBA Players Without a Title

Dominique Wilkins (1982-1999)
He was one of the best dunkers the game had ever seen, but he couldn't find a way past Larry Bird. The Atlanta Hawks' superstar never played in a single NBA Finals series.

NBA Players Without a Title

John Stockton (1984-2003)
Regarded as one of the best point guards in NBA history, Stockton, like his Utah Jazz teammate, Karl Malone, had Air Jordan standing in his way of championship bling two consecutive years. Stockton retired in 2003 and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

NBA Players Without a Title

Reggie Miller (1987-2005)
Reggie Miller's Pacers fell to the Lakers in their one appearance in the Finals. Sad? Yes, but not as heartbreaking as the five conference finals the team lost, which includes three Game 7s. Ouch.

NBA Players Without a Title

Chris Webber (1993-2008)
Maybe if it wasn't for those missed free throws in the Kings' Game 7 OT loss to the Lakers in 2002 or the missed three-pointer at the buzzer in Game 7 against Minnesota in 2004, we could say that Webber would have a championship ring. Then again, who has time for should have-could have-would haves?

NBA Players Without a Title

Elgin Baylor (1958-1972)
Baylor played in eight NBA Finals ... and lost them all. To say that was frustrating is quite the understatement. He called it quits during the 1971-72 season, becoming one of the first greats to retire without a championship ring.

NBA Players Without a Title

Pete Maravich (1970-1980)
Long before Magic Johnson, 'Pistol Pete' was the showman on the court, pefecting behind-the-back and between-the-legs passes. However, his playoff record was a bit sketchy and he retired ringless.

NBA Players Without a Title

Tim Hardaway (1989-2003)
Hardaway's Heat balled their way to the '97 conference finals ... until running into Michael Jordan and the Bulls, who destroyed them. Tough, but losing in the first-round to the eighth-seeded Knicks in '99 packs a bigger bite.

NBA Players Without a Title

I've written about Antoine Walker in the past, and I've made no secret about the fact that I knew Antoine when we were both students at the University of Kentucky. I am incredibly sad to see him hit rock bottom in this way, and I wish him and his family the best. What is also true is that I have to be honest and admit that what I saw in Walker is something I see in quite a few black male athletes, who sometimes forget that succeeding on the court does not preclude the need to make good decisions off the court.

Just today, NFL star Vince Young was cited in a strip club incident, and I consistently find myself wondering when we are going to get past the era of the irresponsible black male athlete. I am not one to disrespect either Young or Walker, but if you were to be honest with yourself, you would admit that you've heard these stories time and time again. A note to young brothers out there: If you are going to succeed on the court, make sure you succeed in the classroom. Making good decisions on the field means you must be especially committed to making good decisions in life.

If I am not mistaken, neither Walker nor Young finished their college degrees, possibly thinking that a life of athletic brilliance supersedes the value of an education. Let's start spreading the message now: One is not a replacement for the other. Nevertheless, I wish Antoine Walker the best.