When It All Falls Down

(The following story is not for the faint of heart. Parental guidance is strongly advised.)

Antoine Walker. He was an High School All-American in 1994. He was an NCAA Champion in 1996. Sixth overall pick in the 1996 Draft. In 1999, he became the proud new owner of a six-year, 71 million dollar deal. He won an NBA Championship in 2006. As of 2010, he is out of the NBA. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that he is in lots of debt?

So how could a man who has earned over $110 million dollars over his 13 year career lose it all? How could a player who once fearlessly hoisted 3-point shots now be afraid to answer his phone because of debt collectors? How could a 3-time former All-Star who averaged 17.5 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game during his career only average 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Guaynabo Mets (?) of the Puerto Rican Basketball Federation?

I know this is a story we have all heard before. The top three reasons why celebrities lose their money: a) Their manager took it. b) drugs. c) sex (having baby mommas can get expensive; just ask this guy.) In Antoine's case there was an addiction but not to drugs. Antoine was addicted to pleasing people. He got high off making his driveway look like a car dealership showroom. He enjoyed the thrill of betting big on blackjack. Antoine was higher than Lil' Wayne during one of his recording sessions. However, like all addicts, Antoine came crashing down from that high.

It is unfortunate to see someone with this much money lose it all; it is even sadder when his only crime is that he cared too much. Antoine is not a bad guy. I know this is a tragedy, a regular cliche, but they are called cliches for a reason: 10 times out of 10 they are true. I find it mind boggling (and almost offensive) that someone could spend that much money in his lifetime. This is mainly, but not entirely, due to my cheapness. Some people will say, "Hey, he's stupid" or "That's what he deserves" but frankly, no one deserves this. I would not wish his fate on my worst enemy (if I actually had one). Most people will shake their heads. Some people may even have the nerve to say, "What a waste!"

The truth is Antoine Walker has had these thoughts more than he may care to admit. I am sure he has looked at his face in the mirror and did not recognize the person staring back at him. The truth is Antoine has beaten himself up more than anyone else could ever do. So, Antoine, if you are reading this (I know you are) I cannot relate to what you have been through. I know you were young and never had lots of money until Rick Pitino dumped a garbage truck full of it on your front lawn. I was born into a situation where I did not want for anything. I cannot tell you anything that you have not already heard. Antoine, you are in a unique position. You have the ability to truly give something back: your story. It is probably the furthest thing from your mind right now, but you do not have to be one of those guys who gives empty advice. Your words have weight to them now. You can tell young players that sometimes the only way to help people is to be selfish (you can't help your family and friends if they cannot help themselves). Sometimes saying "no!" is not always a bad thing. If you tell your story the right way then it will be one of triumph rather than defeat. I have a special interest in seeing you get back up: I want to see you shimmy one last time. So Antoine, after you get through this, smile and shimmy.