Drug abuse still a threat in pro athletics
One would like to imagine that pro athletes have outgrown the trend of damaging their careers through substance abuse. Unfortunately, the list is not limited to the stars of yesteryear like Daryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Vin Baker and Roy Tarpley. In fact, it was only a few seasons ago that talented running back Ricky Williams nearly destroyed his career by retiring from football because he would rather smoke pot.
Williams has bounced back into the league since then, but only as a shadow of his former, dominating self. The sad truth is, illicit drugs are a temptation for anyone and pro athletes are no exception. The number of guys making wrong choices and ending up in detox treatment and drug rehab would probably shock most of us.
Locally, former Minnesota Vikings WR Koren Robinson in 2006 got himself into trouble speeding and driving with a suspended license in an incident believed to be related to such issues.
Let’s hope that more athletes struggling with the temptation of chemical abuse find help sooner than later.
