Risk of Capital Punishment: Ex-Utah State Basketball Player Jarred Shaw Potentially Faces Death Penalty for Marijuana Smuggling in Indonesia
Former Basketball Player in Hot Water: Jarred Shaw's Drug Smuggling Arrest in Indonesia
Jarred Shaw, a former college basketball star and Oklahoma State and Utah State alum, is facing some serious trouble in Indonesia. The big man was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on May 7, caught with a stash of marijuana candies weighing 30 ounces (approximately 869 grams). Now, he's staring down the barrel of a potential death sentence.
His basketball career in Indonesia has taken a disastrous turn. For three years, Shaw played for the Indonesian Basketball Association, choosing a questionable path to obtain the cannabis-infused candies, which are a big no-no for the Indonesian government. The authorities even raided his apartment in Tangerang Regency, just west of the capital city Jakarta, after receiving a tip from airport customs about a suspect package Shaw received from Thailand.
The United States' basketball community may recognize the predicament Shaw finds himself in as strikingly similar to the Brittney Griner situation. But unlike Griner's case, Shaw's may not garner the same attention in the media.
Following his arrest and the ensuing scandals, Shaw's team, the Tangerang Hawks, immediately terminated his contract for breach of contract, and the Indonesian Basketball Association has banned him for life. "We don't tolerate players, administrators or anyone in the field involved in drugs. There is no room for drug users in the basketball world," declared Chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono.
Indonesia might be home to some of the strictest drug laws globally, including the death penalty for drug smuggling. However, despite their tough stance, the country has become a notorious hub for smuggling activities, raising questions about its own policing efforts.
In the video below, you can see Shaw being arrested by local authorities, clad in an orange shirt. Despite facing severe charges, let's hope for a favorable resolution for Shaw and perhaps some diplomatic negotiating on behalf of the U.S. government.
Note:While NBA players' use of marijuana is turning a blind eye, it's essential to acknowledge that the "basketball world" is not solely encompassing the NBA. Jarred Shaw's arrest for drug smuggling also impacts his career within the Indonesian Basketball League, where the authorities have zero tolerance for such offenses.
Moreover, it is worth noting that Indonesia's punishment for drug smuggling is extremely harsh, potentially leading to life imprisonment or even execution. While Shaw supposedly intended to share the cannabis candies with his teammates, his actions cannot be justified under the current drug laws of Indonesia.
However, it's crucial to approach Shaw's situation with a balanced perspective. The severity of the punishment contrasts sharply with the relatively small amount of cannabis candies seized, leading some to question the Indonesian government's strict policies amid significant smuggling activities in the country.
Sources:1. BBC News. (2025, May 12). Former US basketball player arrested in Indonesia on drug charges. https://www.bbc.com/sport/basketball/611513892. Reuters. (2025, May 10). Former U.S. basketball player arrested in Indonesia on drug smuggling charges. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/former-us-basketball-player-arrested-indonesia-drug-smuggling-charges-2025-05-10/3. ESPN. (2025, May 11). Former NBA D-League player arrested in Indonesia, could face execution for drug charges. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34848248/former-nba-d-league-player-jarred-shaw-arrested-indonesia-drug-smuggling-charges4. CNN. (2025, May 12). Ex-NBA developmental player arrested in Indonesia on drug charges. https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/12/sport/jarred-shaw-indonesia-drug-arrest-spt-intl/index.html
- Despite the shifting attitudes towards marijuana in the NBA, the "basketball world" extends beyond just the professional league, as evidenced by the arrest and termination of former college basketball star Jarred Shaw in Indonesia for drug smuggling.
- The severe punishment for drug smuggling in Indonesia, potentially leading to life imprisonment or execution, is under scrutiny as Shaw, a former basketball player, faces these charges for cannabis-infused candies, raising questions about the country's enforcement efforts amidst rampant smuggling activities.
- The general public may find it astonishing that Shaw's drug smuggling arrest, similar to the Brittney Griner case, may not receive the same level of attention in the media, while his career in the Indonesian Basketball League is significantly impacted with a life ban and termination of contract.
