Ex-NBA star Marcus Morris Sr. Settles $265,000 Casino Financial Obligation
Marcus Morris Sr. Acquitted of Assault Charges, Felony Theft Charges Still Pending
After a tumultuous few days, NBA veteran Marcus Morris Sr. has been acquitted of assault charges related to an alleged 2015 brawl. However, the felony theft charges he faces for writing bad checks to Las Vegas casinos remain unresolved.
The assault charges were dropped following Morris' settlement of outstanding debts with the casinos. Morris admitted to using casino-issued credit lines to gamble, but his representatives maintained that the issue arose from casino markers—credit lines extended by casinos—rather than intentional fraud.
Morris was arrested at a South Florida airport on July 27, 2025, for the outstanding debt. He claimed he was held without bail, food, or water for over 50 hours after his arrest. Shortly after his release, Morris deleted an Instagram post addressing the incident.
Nevada authorities have been seeking extradition for Morris, who has been playing professionally in the NBA since 2011. Morris played for the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers during his career. Over 13 seasons, he averaged 12 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 26.6 minutes per contest.
Morris' twin brother, Markieff, downplayed the felony charge on the day of Morris' arrest, stating that the wording of the charge was excessive for the amount of money involved and expressing concern about Morris being embarrassed in public with his family during the arrest.
The checks bounced due to insufficient funds, and Morris stated that he never intended to skip out on the debt, claiming to have been "blindsided" by the arrest. Morris' lawyer stated that a significant payment had already been wired to address the issue, and the prosecution has indicated they will withdraw the charges if the debts are paid in full.
Morris was also charged with theft for writing bad checks to the Wynn Las Vegas and MGM Grand casinos in 2024, totaling $265,000. This is not the first time Morris has faced legal issues, as he was previously charged with battery in 2012, for which he entered a diversion program.
The resolution of Morris' case focuses on the repayment of the casino debts, and it remains to be seen whether Nevada authorities will dismiss the felony charges against him.
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