The former American professional basketball player Antoine Walker (33) has reached a deal with three Las Vegas casinos to repay the $905,000 he owes them in order to avoid a court trial on fraud charges.

“I fully intend to accept the full responsibility of the debt,†Walker, said. “I’ve made some mistakes with some finances.â€

Antoine Walker risked standing trial on three felony bad check charges which could have resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for the 6 foot 9 inch ex-NBA pro. Instead, he agreed to pay $12,835 a month until his debt is cleared, including forfeiting his $135,000 cash bail post to further reduce his debt to $770,050.

After the agreement had been concluded, prosecutor Bernie Zadrowski said;  “This is a win for the defendant, he avoids a felony conviction, and it’s a win for the community because the victim gets paid the restitution.â€

Despite earning over $100 million from his sports career, Walker is currently unemployed having failed to make a team in two years. If, however, he realises his goal of signing with a US or European basketball team, his repayments would then escalate to $21,391 a month.

Although Walker seems to be off the hook for now, he will still have to make a reappearance with his attorney Jonathan Powell, at the law courts on June 1st. Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Melanie Andress-Tobiasson intends to monitor the deal in order to make ensure all obligations were being fulfilled. The judge issued this stern warning to Walker’s attorney in case of any lapses in the agreement:

“I can tell you at the point he stops making payments, I will bind him up so fast it’ll make your head spin.â€

Walker’s debts were originally notched up at the Red Rock Resort, Planet Hollywood Casino, and Caesars Palace between July 2008 and January 2009.

This Article appears as it was reported on OnlinePoker.com

Posted December 3rd, 2009 under Gaming News. Tags: Antoine Walker, Casino Debts
RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a response, or trackback.