Javaris Crittenton waives hearing

Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton waived California extradition proceedings Wednesday and will be returned to Georgia in connection with his arrest in a murder case in Atlanta.

Crittenton appeared before Superior Court Judge Upinder Kalra and said he had voluntarily signed the waiver.

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office had charged Crittenton with being a fugitive from justice for the purpose of holding the extradition-waiver hearing.

Crittenton, who wore civilian clothes, appeared calm and answered, "Yes," in a soft voice when the judge asked if he had signed the waiver papers.

Defense attorney Brian Steel said outside court that Crittenton had earlier agreed to return to Atlanta voluntarily and had even bought a plane ticket, but law enforcement authorities decided to arrest him anyway.

Steel said he wants to get his client back to Atlanta to clear up the matter.

"Crittenton wants to do everything lawful because he did nothing," the attorney said.
Steel said his client is being falsely accused and the facts will come out at the preliminary hearing.

The judge said Crittenton will be returned to Atlanta between Sept. 15 and Sept. 30, but Steel said he would seek to have him returned sooner.