He promised to be a star in the NBA, but his drug addiction led him to live on the streets and eat from the garbage. A story of fall and redemption.
It is often said that the sport saves lives, lifts many children out of poverty and gives them a new opportunity, but fame can make all that effort disappear. As was the case with Chris Washburn, the NBA player who promised to be a superstar and saw his life destroyed by a serious addiction.
Washburn, a promising youngster who stood out in the most prestigious university teamshad all the qualities to succeed in the NBA. His stability and skill on the court were surprising, but his personality and poor behavior in the academic field were the first signs that his career would not last long.
NBA.jpg
The story of Chris Washburn, the basketball player who lost everything due to his addiction
Chris was a 2.10 meter tall young man who stood out in the high schoolattracting top college recruiters from USAWith an imposing physique and technical skills, many thought he could surpass legends like Karl Malone and Shaquille O’NealHowever, Washburn’s behavioral problems soon began to manifest themselves, giving evidence that he would not be in for much luck.
Thanks to his talent he chose the University of North Carolinato take his first steps in the sport, but his poor attendance at classes and his bad behavior led him to have legal problems, including a conviction for robbery. Despite this, he showed glimpses of his talent in the NCAA, capturing the attention of the NBA. In 1986, he was elected third in the draft by the Golden State Warriors.
Drug abuse and lack of discipline caused him to be suspended by the NBA after failing drug tests. From that point on, Washburn’s life became a mess of failed rehabs, prison time and a brief stint in the minor leagues. But his life hit rock bottom when he wandered off to the tramp in Houston, sleeping in abandoned houses and eating from garbage containers.
After years of receiving therapeutic help, Chris works with organizations that support homeless people and former NBA players who have hit rock bottom. His story is a stark reminder of how addiction can destroy even the most promising careers.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
