Marcus Morris Sr. Arrested in Florida Over Alleged Las Vegas Casino Debt
Posted on: July 28, 2025, 08:10h.
Last updated on: July 28, 2025, 09:51h.
- Arrest tied to unpaid Las Vegas casino gambling marker
- Agent denies fraud, calls situation “absolute insanity”
- NBA veteran held without bond at Fort Lauderdale airport
NBA forward Marcus Morris Sr. was arrested Sunday at Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on a felony charge of fraud for writing a check with insufficient funds, according to online booking records.
No other information about the charge was immediately available from the records, except that it was filed in another state. A representative for Morris says the arrest was related to an unpaid marker at an unnamed casino. Sources who spoke with The Daily Mail clarified that the casino is in Las Vegas.
The free agent, who has recently been appearing as a guest NBA analyst on ESPN, was being held without bond in Broward County as of Sunday, according to the records.
Markieff Defends Brother
Morris’ twin brother, former Lakers power forward Markieff Morris, took to the X platform late Sunday to complain that the incident had been blown out of proportion.
The wording is crazy. Damn, for that amount of money they’ll embarrass you in the airport with your family,” he wrote on X. “They got y’all really thinking bro did some fraud s–t. They could have came to the crib for all that. When y’all hear the real story on this s–t man. All I can say is lesson learned. Bro will tell y’all tomorrow. This weird s–t gave me a headache. Can’t stop nothin!”
Shortly afterward, Yony Noy, an agent representing both brothers, had this to say:
“Just so everyone understands, this is zero fraud here or whatever crap outlets have said regarding fake checks or whatever the hell. This is due to an outstanding marker with a casino. Apparently, if you have over $1,200, they can issue a warrant for your arrest. Absolute insanity!”
Nevada Law
Under Nevada law (NRS 205.130), an unpaid casino marker is legally treated much like writing a bad check, and failing to repay a marker is considered a form of fraud.
Failing to pay a marker over $1,200 is typically prosecuted as a Category D felony, carrying up to four years in Nevada state prison and up to $5K in fines on top of the marker amount.
Throughout his career, Morris suited up for the Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. His most productive season came with the Knicks in 2019–20, when he averaged 19.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game before being traded to the Clippers. He became a free agent earlier this year.
Antoine Walker’s $1M Headache
Morris isn’t the first NBA star to fall foul of Nevada’s unpaid marker law. Between 2008 and 2009, former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker ran up nearly $1 million in markers at several Las Vegas casinos, including Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood.
Prosecutors charged the former Boston Celtics and Miami Heat player with multiple felony counts under NRS 205.130. In 2011, Walker pleaded guilty to one felony charge but avoided prison by agreeing to repay around $750K in restitution.
Morris’ alleged debt to the unnamed casino isn’t believed to be anywhere close to this figure.
Last Comments ( 2 )
Boy his twin brother is an educated man. Must have majored in basket weaving. I just read in another source there were 2 checks written to 2 different casinos of 100k or more. The bum knew what was doing It’s called fraud! This article is bogus.
If it's so simple, why not just pay your damn bill !!!!!!