In today’s media session, Gilbert Arenas let it be known that there would be no more practical pranks, hibachi grills, or lengthy blogging. Arenas is focusing on being more of a leader for the Washington Wizards and even said he wouldn’t talk to reporters anymore if it weren’t for the fines from David Stern and the NBA.

“I’m 27 now, and I’m not the entertainer anymore.”

“When I was entertaining and playing, all that you guys focused on was my words. Now, I’d rather you just focus on my basketball.”

“When I had fun, I got criticized. So we’ll see what happens when I’m serious.”

From all accounts of teammates and coaches, the Takeover might just happen this year, even if Gilbert doesn’t want to call it that. One thing is for sure – Arenas is focused on this season and bringing the Wizards back to the Playoffs.

While the 09-10 season is just around the corner, here are some Gilbert Arenas news and links from around the world wide web:

Flip Saunders thinks Arenas can improve in new system

Gilbert says “Can’t Nobody Guard Me”

Gilbert Arenas is #34 out of 50 in Slam Online’s definitive ranking of the NBA’s best players

DC Landing Strip interviews Nick Young about some of Gilbert Arenas’ pranks, like ripping up his clothes in the locker room so he has to go home in his jersey

Gilbert Arenas has gone tattoo crazy. There was some controversy when he first got a “Change We Can Believe In” tattoo along his fingers and now the Washington Wizards starting point guard has the faces of 4 prominent black icons in history tattooed across his leg. Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama and Malcom X form what Agent Zero has dubbed “Black Rushmore.” Expect to see a better picture of his tattoos once the season begins.

Photo by Nick Friedell – ESPNChicago

Check out the three part mini-series of exclusive video footage of Gilbert Arenas’ offseason training program with personal trainer Tim Grover from WashingtonWizards.com

Think you have what it takes to beat Gilbert Arenas in fantasy football? Play against Gilbert and other celebrities at FantasyWorld.com where fans compete for over $1 million dollars in cash and prizes and celebrities raise money for their favorite charities. Help Gilbert raise money for the Arial Homes Initiative or his Zero Two Hero Foundation.

For Gilbert’s Nation’s Capital Package, the 1st place winner gets 2 tickets to a Wizards game, meet and greet with Gilbert at the game, 2 tickets to Madame Tussaud’s Washington DC to see the Gilbert Arenas wax figure, plane tickets and hotel for 2 nights. 2nd place gets an autographed Arenas jersey and the 3rd place winner gets an autographed NBA Game Ball.