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Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton’s off-the-court actions are making headlines once again, and this time-- it’s serious. (WAGA)

“Earlier today Atlanta police issued a warrant for Javaris Crittenton. They say he shot and killed a 23-year-old mother of four last week.”

Crittenton allegedly participated in a drive-by shooting, killing Julian Jones--but why? An analyst on ESPN weighs in.

“Police say the woman was walking with others last Friday night when she was shot. Investigators do not believe she was the intended target, they believe Crittenton may have been seeking retaliation after being robbed back in April.”

This isn’t the first time Crittenton has been involved in a firearms incident.

The former Georgia Tech star caused a storm last year with then teammate Gilbert Arenas-- after they pulled guns in the Wizard’s locker room during an argument. After that incident in January 2010, NBA analyst Kenny Smith spoke on the gun culture in the NBA.

“They’re wealthy young men who are really one degree of separation from their friends, their family members who aren’t wealthy. [FLASH] Their mindset is ‘Ok, I’ll protect myself, or I’ll hire security to protect myself. I think this is a case of being immature and not realizing the consequences of what could happen.”

A writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says it’s time for Crittenton to face those consequences. He might have had some on and off the court problems, but that’s no excuse.

“He was cut last October by the Charlotte Bobcats. He played five games with a team in China and spent the winter with the Dakota Wizards, the Bismarck-based franchise in the NBA Developmental League...it would be convenient to blame basketball for the wrong turns in Crittenton’s 23-year-old life. But there’s free will involved in every life, is there not?"

Crittenton responded to the allegation on his Twitter account Friday. Tweetcenter pulled a quote before the profile was deleted.

““Say hello to the bad guy! They say I’m a bad guy. They say a lot about me let me tell you what I aint! 2 Words-LOYAL & REAL. HATERS MOTIVATE ME…nuff said”
http://tweetscenter.com/javaris-crittenton-charged-with-murder-responds-on-twitter/4392/

Although his wherabouts are unclear, Fox 5 Atlanta reports Crittenton has made contact with Atlanta police and the FBI to turn himself in.