Marcus Morris Sr., a 13-year NBA veteran and former New York Knicks forward, was arrested in Florida over the weekend on a felony fraud charge. The 35-year-old was taken into custody at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and booked into the Broward County Jail without bond. The arrest was linked to an out-of-state warrant involving a bounced check or an unpaid financial obligation, reportedly a casino marker.
According to jail records, Morris was charged with “fraud – insufficient funds check,” a felony-level offense in Florida when the amount exceeds $150. The charge stems from a financial dispute in another state, and authorities are reportedly preparing for his extradition to face the charges there. Specifics of the underlying case have not yet been made public, but sources indicate it relates to a $1,200 casino marker—a form of credit extended to gamblers.
Morris’s arrest has sparked strong reactions from those close to him, including his twin brother Markieff Morris and his agent Yony Noy. Both publicly criticized the situation, claiming it was blown out of proportion and mishandled. Noy stated that there was “zero fraud here” and emphasized that the issue was minor and non-criminal in nature. He said the arrest was due to an outstanding warrant tied to a financial technicality, not an intentional attempt to defraud.
Markieff Morris, also an NBA player, added that his brother was being unfairly targeted and that the situation was exaggerated due to Marcus’s profile as a public figure. He echoed the agent’s concerns, expressing disappointment over how aggressively law enforcement responded to what he described as a civil issue. Both promised that the full story would come to light soon and would clear Marcus of any wrongdoing.
Marcus Morris has had a respectable NBA career, having played for several teams including the Knicks, Celtics, Clippers, Suns, and most recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers. During his time with the Knicks in the 2019–2020 season, he was one of the team’s leading scorers, averaging 19.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 43 appearances before being traded. Known for his physical style of play and veteran presence, Morris has been both praised and criticized for his aggressive on-court demeanor.
This arrest, however, isn’t the first time Morris has faced legal troubles. In 2012, he entered a diversion agreement to resolve a misdemeanor battery charge in Kansas. In 2015, both he and his brother Markieff were accused of assault in Arizona, though those charges were later dropped.
While Morris remains in custody in Florida, further developments are expected as authorities coordinate with the state where the warrant originated. His legal team has indicated it will release more information soon and hopes to resolve the matter swiftly. Despite the arrest, Morris’s camp is adamant that he will be vindicated and that this situation is not reflective of criminal intent.
As the story continues to develop, fans, former teammates, and NBA insiders await clarity on the situation and its potential impact on Morris’s career and reputation.
