The fraud and theft charges against Marcus Morris have been dropped! He has repaid his casino debts: $291,000

On August 10, Beijing time, prosecutors in Clark County, Las Vegas, dismissed the fraud and theft charges against former Kansas University and NBA forward Marcus Morris because the Philadelphia native repaid his debts to two Las Vegas casinos.

On Tuesday, Morris was released from Broward County Jail in Florida after he wired $265,000 to the MGM Grand and Wynn casinos, which he allegedly borrowed as chips during his two gambling trips to Las Vegas in 2024. Morris also paid approximately $26,000 in collection fees to the Las Vegas District Attorney's Office.

Morris attended Kansas University from 2009 to 2011 before starting a 13-year NBA career. He was arrested last Sunday at Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida, reportedly due to insufficient funds in his bank account to cover his debts. Authorities issued arrest warrants for him in March and June.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "Casino chips (common in casinos across Las Vegas and Nevada) are a form of short-term interest-free loan that allows gamblers to bet on credit after providing personal information such as current address, occupation, and bank account details. If chip loans are not repaid within about 30 days, they are considered 'bad checks'."

This week, Morris shared his situation on a podcast, expressing his disagreement with the use of the term "fraud" in the charges. He stated that it was more of a misunderstanding than fraud. As someone who frequently gambles and has previously applied for chip loans, he believed he had more time to repay the $265,000.

"That's just how it is. I will accept it calmly," Morris told the podcast host. "I come from North Philadelphia. I've been through much tougher situations than this, but I know one thing: I am not a fraud. I could have paid back on time, and I should have. It's disheartening that my character and nature are being questioned—many people respect me, and I am pursuing a career in the media industry outside of sports."

"No one wants negative press. No one wants to be looked at differently," Morris added. "But in today's world, regardless of what happens, there will always be someone thinking negatively. People will create their own stories and spread them as they wish."

He went on to say that he will "look forward and continue to be myself."

"God has a plan for each of us, whatever it may be. I want to remind young athletes and gamblers," Morris said. "To understand all the ins and outs of gambling, be responsible for what you sign and receive, and ensure you repay on time. Because you know these things can happen. Always act cautiously, protect yourself, and don’t let this happen to you."

Morris stated that he always intended to repay the chip loans. "I genuinely thought the money and time I spent there would be worthwhile," he said. He was surprised that he needed to be arrested and prosecuted and spent 51 hours in a Florida jail before being released due to repayment.

Alan Feldman, the Strategic Plan Director of the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told the Review-Journal: "From what I see, I don't think Morris was trying to defraud anyone. He just didn't take this matter as seriously as he should have."

By the way, Morris mentioned on the podcast that he has not officially retired. At 35, he hinted that he might still return to the NBA for a 14th season or play overseas.As a completely free agent, he played for the Cavaliers last season. His brother, former Kansas University forward Markieff Morris, 35, played 7 games for the Dallas Mavericks and 8 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season and is also a free agent, having played 14 seasons.