Marcus Morris Sr., a seasoned NBA journeyman who played 13 seasons in the league, is now facing serious legal trouble. Despite raking in nearly $107 million during his career, Morris has been arrested and accused of writing bad checks totaling $265,000 to two Las Vegas casinos.
The 34-year-old forward, who last played in the 2023-24 NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers, is currently being held at Broward County Main Jail in Florida, awaiting extradition.
According to reports, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino claims Morris issued a bad check for $115,000 in May 2024. The Wynn Las Vegas made a similar accusation, alleging Morris wrote a $150,000 check in June 2024 that he knew would bounce. Both casinos filed fraud-related warrants against him.
Morris, who appeared in 832 regular-season games and 76 playoff matchups, is no stranger to big paydays, making just under $106.9 million throughout his time in the league. Still, this arrest raises eyebrows and questions about what led to the alleged financial misstep.
His twin brother Markieff Morris took to social media to defend him, posting:
“The wording is crazy. Damn, for that amount of money they’ll embarrass you in the airport with your family. They got y’all really thinking bro did some fraud st… When y’all hear the real story on this st, man… Bro will tell y’all tomorrow. This weird s**t gave me a headache.”
Morris’s agent, Yony Noy, also denied any fraudulent intent. He explained the situation involved an “outstanding casino marker” and not actual fraud, stating, “This is absolute insanity. There’s zero fraud here.” He referenced Nevada law, which allows for arrest warrants if gambling debts over $1,200 remain unpaid.
Interestingly, Morris had signed with the New York Knicks ahead of the 2024 season but was waived before appearing in any games. He had since become a guest contributor on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ alongside Stephen A. Smith, but following this arrest, those opportunities are likely on pause indefinitely.
Morris is scheduled for another court hearing in August, where he will seek to clear his name and share his side of the story.
