Digest

This episode of Crime in Sports delves into the life and career of Fast Eddie Johnson, a talented basketball player whose promising career was overshadowed by a cocaine addiction and other personal struggles. The episode begins by tracing Johnson's early life in a small, rural Florida community where he excelled in both basketball and football. Despite his humble beginnings, Johnson's natural athleticism and dedication to the game earned him a scholarship to Auburn University, where he continued to shine on the court. However, Johnson's success was accompanied by a growing dependence on cocaine, which ultimately led to a decline in his performance and a series of personal and professional setbacks. The episode explores the impact of Johnson's addiction on his career, his relationships, and his overall well-being, highlighting the challenges he faced in trying to overcome his demons. The episode also examines the role of mental illness in Johnson's struggles, noting that he was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The episode concludes with a discussion of Johnson's legacy, acknowledging his undeniable talent while also acknowledging the tragic consequences of his addiction. The episode then dives into the details of Johnson's struggles with cocaine addiction, highlighting his multiple arrests, his erratic behavior, and the Hawks' attempts to help him. The episode also explores the prevalence of drug use in the NBA during the 1980s, noting that cocaine was a widespread problem among players and that the league was struggling to address the issue. The episode concludes with a discussion of Johnson's legacy, acknowledging his undeniable talent while also acknowledging the tragic consequences of his addiction. The episode then dives into the details of Johnson's struggles with cocaine addiction, highlighting his multiple arrests, his erratic behavior, and the Hawks' attempts to help him. The episode also explores the prevalence of drug use in the NBA during the 1980s, noting that cocaine was a widespread problem among players and that the league was struggling to address the issue. The episode concludes with a discussion of Johnson's legacy, acknowledging his undeniable talent while also acknowledging the tragic consequences of his addiction.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast and its hosts, James Petrigallo and Jimmy Wiseman, and sets the stage for the episode's focus on Fast Eddie Johnson. The hosts also mention their other podcasts, Small Town Murder and Your Stupid Opinions, and encourage listeners to support the show through Patreon.

00:02:13

Fast Eddie Johnson: A Life of Promise and Tragedy

This Chapter delves into the early life and career of Fast Eddie Johnson, highlighting his exceptional athleticism and his rise to prominence in both basketball and football. The episode explores Johnson's humble beginnings in a small Florida town, his early success in high school, and his eventual scholarship to Auburn University. The chapter also introduces the challenges Johnson faced, including his growing dependence on cocaine and the impact of his addiction on his career and personal life.

00:44:04

The 1977 NBA Draft

This Chapter focuses on the 1977 NBA Draft, where Fast Eddie Johnson was selected in the third round by the Atlanta Hawks. The episode discusses the draft order, the players selected ahead of Johnson, and the significance of his third-round selection. The chapter also highlights the Hawks' struggles at the time and the potential Johnson brought to the team.

00:50:31

Johnson's Impact on the Atlanta Hawks

This Chapter examines Johnson's early years with the Atlanta Hawks, highlighting his immediate impact on the team and his ability to turn the tide. The episode discusses Johnson's playing style, his contributions to the team's success, and the challenges he faced in balancing his social life with his professional career. The chapter also explores the Hawks' struggles with cocaine addiction and the impact it had on the team's performance.

00:55:33

The Downward Spiral

This Chapter focuses on the downward spiral of Fast Eddie Johnson's career, highlighting the increasing impact of his cocaine addiction on his performance and his personal life. The episode discusses Johnson's struggles with emotional intensity, his battles with coaches, and the challenges he faced in maintaining his focus and discipline. The chapter also explores the role of mental illness in Johnson's struggles, noting that he was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

00:57:07

Johnson's Addiction and Downfall

This Chapter delves into the details of Johnson's struggles with cocaine addiction, highlighting his multiple arrests, his erratic behavior, and the Hawks' attempts to help him. The episode also explores the prevalence of drug use in the NBA during the 1980s, noting that cocaine was a widespread problem among players and that the league was struggling to address the issue.

01:32:33

Eddie Johnson Appreciation Day

This Chapter discusses the planned Eddie Johnson Appreciation Day in his hometown of Wearsdale, Florida, highlighting the contrast between Johnson's early success and his current struggles with addiction. The chapter also explores the prevalence of drug use among athletes and the challenges of addressing the issue.

01:49:47

Eddie Johnson's Downward Spiral Continues

This Chapter continues to explore the downward spiral of Fast Eddie Johnson's career, highlighting his struggles with cocaine addiction and the events that led to his downfall, including multiple arrests, a stolen Porsche, and a tumultuous relationship with the Atlanta Hawks. The episode also explores the prevalence of drug use in the NBA during the 1980s, noting that cocaine was a widespread problem among players and that the league was struggling to address the issue. The chapter concludes with a discussion of Johnson's legacy, acknowledging his undeniable talent while also acknowledging the tragic consequences of his addiction.

02:05:20

The Hawks' Tumultuous Season

This Chapter examines the Atlanta Hawks' tumultuous season following Eddie Johnson's struggles with addiction, highlighting the team's decline in performance and the challenges they faced in trying to recover. The chapter also explores the impact of Johnson's legal troubles on the team and the league's efforts to address the issue of drug use among players.

02:17:11

Outro

This Chapter concludes the episode with a recap of the key points discussed and a call to action for listeners to support the show through Patreon and social media. The hosts also promote their other podcasts, Small Town Murder and Your Stupid Opinions, and encourage listeners to check them out.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the key factors that contributed to Fast Eddie Johnson's downfall?

  Fast Eddie Johnson's downfall was primarily attributed to his cocaine addiction, which ultimately led to a decline in his performance and a series of personal and professional setbacks. His addiction also contributed to his struggles with emotional intensity and his inability to maintain focus and discipline. Additionally, Johnson was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which further complicated his struggles.

• How did Fast Eddie Johnson's early life and upbringing influence his career?

  Fast Eddie Johnson's early life in a small, rural Florida community instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep love for basketball. His humble beginnings and his determination to escape poverty fueled his drive to succeed in the sport. His exceptional athleticism and dedication to the game earned him a scholarship to Auburn University, where he continued to excel on the court. However, his upbringing also exposed him to the challenges of poverty and the temptations of drugs and alcohol, which ultimately played a role in his downfall.

• What was the significance of Fast Eddie Johnson's third-round selection in the 1977 NBA Draft?

  Fast Eddie Johnson's third-round selection in the 1977 NBA Draft was a testament to his talent and potential, despite being overlooked by teams in the first two rounds. His selection by the Atlanta Hawks, a team that was struggling at the time, was seen as a steal, and he quickly made an impact on the team, turning the tide and helping to create a culture of winning. However, his third-round selection also highlighted the challenges he faced in proving himself and overcoming the stigma of being a late-round pick.

• How did Fast Eddie Johnson's cocaine addiction impact his career and personal life?

  Fast Eddie Johnson's cocaine addiction had a devastating impact on his career and personal life. His addiction led to a decline in his performance on the court, as he struggled to maintain focus and discipline. It also strained his relationships with coaches, teammates, and family members. Johnson's addiction ultimately led to a series of personal and professional setbacks, including multiple arrests and a decline in his overall well-being.

• What role did mental illness play in Fast Eddie Johnson's struggles?

  Fast Eddie Johnson was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which further complicated his struggles with cocaine addiction and emotional intensity. His mental illness contributed to his erratic behavior, his inability to control his impulses, and his difficulty in maintaining stability in his life. Johnson's struggles with bipolar disorder highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, particularly in the context of addiction and other personal challenges.

• How prevalent was cocaine use in the NBA during the 1980s?

  Cocaine use was a widespread problem in the NBA during the 1980s, with estimates suggesting that between 40 and 75 percent of players used the drug. The league was struggling to address the issue, and there was no widespread drug testing in place at the time. The prevalence of cocaine use in the NBA during this era highlights the challenges of addressing drug use in professional sports and the importance of providing support and resources to athletes who are struggling with addiction.

• What were some of the consequences of Fast Eddie Johnson's drug use and erratic behavior?

  Fast Eddie Johnson's drug use and erratic behavior led to a series of consequences, including multiple arrests, a stolen Porsche, and a tumultuous relationship with the Atlanta Hawks. His addiction also strained his relationships with coaches, teammates, and family members. Johnson's struggles highlight the devastating impact that drug addiction can have on an individual's life, both personally and professionally.

• How did the Atlanta Hawks attempt to help Fast Eddie Johnson with his addiction?

  The Atlanta Hawks attempted to help Fast Eddie Johnson with his addiction by providing him with support and resources, including therapy and a stay in a psychiatric facility. However, Johnson's addiction was deeply rooted, and he continued to struggle despite the Hawks' efforts. The Hawks' attempts to help Johnson highlight the challenges of addressing drug addiction in professional sports and the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources to athletes who are struggling.

• What was the NBA's stance on drug use during the 1980s?

  The NBA's stance on drug use during the 1980s was evolving, with the league taking a more proactive approach to addressing the issue. The commissioner, Lourie O'Brien, announced a policy that would ban any player proven to have engaged in cocaine use, but the policy was met with confusion and debate. The NBA's efforts to address drug use during this era highlight the challenges of balancing the league's responsibility to its players with its need to maintain a clean and healthy image.

• What is the significance of Eddie Johnson's statement that his problems are not drug-related but rather a mental issue?

  Eddie Johnson's statement that his problems are not drug-related but rather a mental issue is significant because it reflects the complex nature of addiction and mental illness. While Johnson's struggles with cocaine addiction were undeniable, his diagnosis of bipolar disorder suggests that his addiction may have been a symptom of a deeper underlying mental health issue. This statement highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues in the context of addiction and other personal challenges.

Show Notes