Glen Davies handed prison sentence: why was the NBA star called ‘Big Baby’?

A federal judge has sentenced Glen Davis to 40 months in prison and three years of probation for fraud in the NBA Health and Welfare Benefit Plan, as reported by ESPN on Thursday. Big Baby, as he was known, was arrested along with 17 other former players, including two former ACB players (Antoine Wright and Alan Anderson), in October 2021 for filing false medical claims. He was previously convicted in this case in 2023.

Davis was an NBA champion in 2008 with the Boston Celtics alongside Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo. The Massachusetts franchise secured that ring, the last to date, after winning 4-2 in the Finals against the LA Lakers of Pau Gasol, who made his debut in the title fight months after being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies. The following year, the Spanish player would open his trophy cabinet against the Orlando Magic, and in 2010, he would avenge the Celtics with his second and final championship, winning 4-3.

The former center will have to pay a fine of $80,000. The conditions of his supervised release include attending financial management classes and mandatory drug treatment. This is not Davis’s first run-in with the law: in February 2019, he paid a $15,000 fine to avoid prison after being arrested a year earlier in a Maryland hotel with marijuana (126 grams) and a briefcase containing $92,000.

Why was Glen Davis nicknamed ‘Big Baby’?

Davis’ aforementioned nickname, ‘Big Baby,’ became a defining aspect of his persona both on and off the basketball court. While his large stature was evident and contributed to the “Big” part of his nickname, it was his demeanor and behavior that truly solidified the “Baby” aspect. The nickname is said to have originated from a youth coach due to him moaning about the older players in the seniors.

Davis often displayed a passionate and sometimes volatile emotional style of play, leading to occasional outbursts or reactions reminiscent of a child’s tantrum. This behavior, while sometimes controversial, also endeared him to many fans, adding an element of unpredictability and entertainment to his game.

Throughout his career, Davis embraced the nickname, even incorporating it into his personal brand. Despite retiring from professional basketball in 2015, the nickname ‘Big Baby’ remains synonymous with his legacy in the sport.

What is Glen Davis’ net worth?

According to the website celebritynetworth.com, Davis is worth a cool $10 million. During his career in the NBA he was said to have earned a pre-tax salary of $32 million, and had a number of endorsements.

Davis spent eight seasons in the NBA and played for three franchises (the Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Los Angeles Clippers) before leaving the league in 2015. Three years later, he attempted to return to basketball in Croatia, but his adventure lasted only one game. He spent five days in Zadar. The Balkan team accused Davis of demanding more money than agreed upon. The player admitted to making that request but also accused his coach, Ales Pipan, of misconduct.