Gilbert Arenas rebrands podcast with an NFL focus and Skip Bayless as a partner

"Gilbert Arenas and Skip Bayless have made news lately for reasons they would rather forget. Now, they will attempt to put an entertaining spin on NFL news in a digital program launching Tuesday and airing three times a week. Arenas, a Van Nuys Grant High product who played 11 seasons in the NBA, will rebrand his current channel. Bayless, who had long runs on ESPN's "First Take" and FS1's "Undisputed," will be featured on "The Arena: Gridiron" along with former NFL coach Jay Gruden and former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib."

"Arenas was arrested July 30 and charged along with five others with conspiracy for allegedly running illegal poker games at his Encino mansion, court records show. Arenas, 43, rented out the mansion "for the purposes of hosting high-stakes illegal poker games," according to a news release issued by the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles. The three-time All-Star guard - who went by the nickname "Agent Zero" according to federal authorities - was charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business and making false statements to federal investigators."

"Bayless has also been sifting through court filings. He is a defendant along with Fox Sports, broadcaster Joy Taylor and executive Charlie Dixon in a lawsuit by former FS1 hairstylist Noushin Faraji, who alleged that Bayless offered her $1.5 million for sex. Faraji filed a request to dismiss the lawsuit this month in L.A. Superior Court, which legal experts said is an indication that a settlement has been reached."

Gilbert Arenas and Skip Bayless will launch a digital NFL program airing three times weekly, with Arenas rebranding his current channel and Bayless featured on The Arena: Gridiron alongside Jay Gruden and Aqib Talib. Arenas was arrested July 30 and charged with conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling business after allegedly renting his Encino mansion to host high-stakes illegal poker games; he pleaded not guilty and was released on a $50,000 bond. Charges also name Yevgeni Gershman. Bayless is a defendant in a lawsuit alleging he offered $1.5 million for sex; a dismissal request suggests a settlement, and Bayless said he is not bothered by the criminal charges against Arenas.

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