Feb 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (5) in a game against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia native Marcus Morris Sr. - who briefly donned the 76ers uniform in 2023–24 - was arrested Sunday at a Broward County, Florida airport on a felony charge of fraud related to allegedly writing a check with insufficient funds, according to online court records.
The arrest stems from a warrant out of another state, and Morris is currently being held without bond.
Born in North Philadelphia and a standout at Prep Charter before playing collegiately at Kansas, Morris was drafted 14th overall in 2011 and went on to enjoy a 13‑season NBA career that included stints with eight teams—including the Rockets, Suns, Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, Clippers, and notably the 76ers, his hometown franchise.
In the 2023–24 season, he appeared in 37 games for the Sixers before being traded to San Antonio and later joining the Cavaliers on a short‑term deal.
Reacting to news of his brother’s arrest, twin brother Markieff Morris slammed the media response on social platforms, calling the reporting “crazy” and suggesting it embarrassed Marcus and their family publicly.
The wording is crazy. Damn for that amount of money they’ll embarrass you in the airport with your family. They got y’all really thinking bro did some fraud shit. They could have came to the crib for all that. When y’all hear the real story on this shit man. All I can say is…
Meanwhile, their agent Yony Noy weighed in with an alternate explanation, attributing the arrest to a casino marker dispute—not fraudulent intent—and indicating that Morris would clarify the situation soon.
Just so everyone understands this is zero fraud here or whatever crap outlets have said regarding fake checks or whatever the hell. This is due to an outstanding marker with a casino. Apparently if you have over $1,200 they can issue a warrant for your arrest. Absolute insanity! https://t.co/nLT5uCGMcT
Although his future in the NBA is uncertain—with his playing days likely behind him—Marcus Morris had already begun building a presence in sports media, appearing regularly on ESPN’s First Take and Get Up.
As a Philadelphia native who earned the key to the city in 2024 and returned home to play for the Sixers last season, this arrest brings an unwelcome spotlight to one of Philly’s most recognizable hoops exports.