Digest

This episode of Crime in Sports delves into the life of Eddie Johnson, an Atlanta Hawks player known for his talent and his struggles with drug addiction and mental health. The episode chronicles Johnson's rollercoaster journey, from his initial success and promising career to his descent into cocaine addiction and subsequent arrests. The hosts discuss the events leading up to Johnson's arrest for cocaine possession, including a shooting incident involving a pimp and a subsequent break-in at his home. They also explore the complexities of Johnson's mental health, highlighting the pressures faced by athletes in the public eye. The episode continues to discuss Johnson's struggles, including his involuntary commitment to a psychiatric ward, his eventual return to the Hawks, and the team's attempts to manage his behavior. The hosts discuss the ethical considerations surrounding Johnson's commitment, the Hawks' responsibility to support athletes struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and the broader implications of Johnson's story for athletes in the public eye. The episode concludes with Johnson's commitment to a mental institution and his eventual return to the Hawks, leaving listeners with a sense of the challenges and complexities of navigating fame and addiction. This chapter focuses on Eddie Johnson's struggles with drug addiction and his eventual return to the NBA. The hosts discuss his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his subsequent rehab, and his time playing in the CBA. They also explore the challenges he faced in overcoming his addiction and the support he received from his family and the NBA. The episode concludes with Johnson's signing with the Seattle Supersonics and his return to the NBA.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast Crime in Sports and its hosts, James Petrogallo and Jimmy Wiseman. They also mention the availability of bonus episodes on Patreon for subscribers.

00:00:33

Eddie Johnson's Struggles

This Chapter dives into the story of Eddie Johnson, an Atlanta Hawks player, and his struggles with drug addiction and mental health. The hosts discuss Johnson's arrest for cocaine possession, his involvement in a shooting incident with a pimp, and the break-in at his home. They also explore the complexities of Johnson's mental health and the pressures faced by athletes in the public eye.

00:27:30

Over the Top Podcast

This Chapter is an advertisement for the podcast Over the Top, hosted by Peter Rosenberg and a shell beetle. The podcast covers sports and pop culture using a wrestling-inspired format.

00:28:27

In the Shadow of Princeton

This Chapter is an advertisement for the podcast In the Shadow of Princeton, which explores a murder case at Princeton University.

00:28:57

Eddie Johnson's Return

This Chapter continues the discussion of Eddie Johnson's struggles and his eventual return to the Atlanta Hawks. The hosts discuss Johnson's commitment to a mental institution and his subsequent release. They also explore the complexities of navigating fame and addiction.

00:45:49

Eddie Johnson's Commitment

This Chapter focuses on Eddie Johnson's involuntary commitment to a psychiatric ward. The hosts discuss the circumstances surrounding his commitment, including the involvement of his doctors and team officials. They also raise questions about the ethics of such commitments and the potential for abuse.

00:57:18

Even the Royals Podcast

This Chapter is an advertisement for the podcast Even the Royals, hosted by Ereisha Skidmer Williams and Brooke Sifrin. The podcast explores the lives of royal families from around the world.

00:59:08

Eddie Johnson's Mental Health

This Chapter delves into Eddie Johnson's struggles with mental health, specifically his diagnosis of manic depression. The hosts discuss the challenges of managing his condition, the Hawks' attempts to support him, and the ethical considerations surrounding his involuntary commitment to a psychiatric ward.

01:27:02

Eddie Johnson's Recovery

This Chapter explores Eddie Johnson's recovery from his mental health struggles and his return to the Atlanta Hawks. The hosts discuss the challenges he faced, the Hawks' support, and his eventual success in regaining his career.

01:45:07

Eddie Johnson's Perspective

This Chapter provides Eddie Johnson's perspective on his struggles, his return to the Hawks, and his relationship with his teammates and coaches. The hosts discuss the challenges he faced, his desire to win, and his commitment to improving his game.

01:50:50

Eddie Johnson's Trade and Rehab

This Chapter focuses on Eddie Johnson's trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers and his subsequent rehab. The hosts discuss his struggles with addiction in Cleveland and his eventual decision to seek treatment. They also explore the NBA's drug rehab program and the league's responsibility to support athletes struggling with addiction.

01:58:13

Eddie Johnson's Return to the NBA

This Chapter discusses Eddie Johnson's return to the NBA after his time in the CBA. The hosts discuss his decision to play in the CBA to prove his recovery and his eventual signing with the Seattle Supersonics. They also explore the challenges he faced in returning to the NBA and the support he received from his family and the league.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the challenges Eddie Johnson faced during his time with the Atlanta Hawks?

  Eddie Johnson faced numerous challenges, including drug addiction, mental health issues, and public scrutiny. His struggles with cocaine addiction led to multiple arrests and public embarrassment, while his mental health issues contributed to erratic behavior and ultimately led to his involuntary commitment to a psychiatric ward.

• How did the Atlanta Hawks handle Eddie Johnson's struggles?

  The Atlanta Hawks initially attempted to support Johnson, but his struggles ultimately led to his suspension from the team. They expressed hope for his recovery and stated that his return would be up to him. However, the team's actions suggest a balancing act between supporting a player and protecting the team's image and reputation.

• What are some of the broader implications of Eddie Johnson's story for athletes in the public eye?

  Eddie Johnson's story highlights the pressures and challenges faced by athletes in the public eye. The constant scrutiny, the pressure to perform, and the temptations of fame and fortune can create a difficult environment for athletes to navigate. It also raises questions about the responsibility of teams and leagues to support athletes struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

• What is the role of mental health in Eddie Johnson's story?

  Mental health played a significant role in Eddie Johnson's story. His struggles with manic depression, coupled with his drug addiction, contributed to his erratic behavior and ultimately led to his commitment to a psychiatric ward. The episode highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in athletes and the need for greater awareness and support.

• How did the media portray Eddie Johnson during his struggles?

  The media portrayed Eddie Johnson as a troubled athlete, often focusing on his drug addiction and erratic behavior. The episode suggests that the media's portrayal may have contributed to the public's perception of Johnson and potentially exacerbated his struggles.

• What is the significance of Eddie Johnson's commitment to a psychiatric ward?

  Eddie Johnson's commitment to a psychiatric ward highlights the complexities of mental health and the challenges of navigating the legal system. The episode raises questions about the ethics of involuntary commitments and the potential for abuse. It also underscores the need for greater understanding and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

• What are some of the ethical considerations surrounding Eddie Johnson's commitment?

  The episode raises ethical considerations surrounding Eddie Johnson's involuntary commitment to a psychiatric ward. The hosts question the process by which he was committed, suggesting that it may have been too quick and potentially abusive. They also raise concerns about the potential for such commitments to be used against athletes who are struggling with addiction or mental health issues.

• What is the role of the Atlanta Hawks in Eddie Johnson's story?

  The Atlanta Hawks played a complex role in Eddie Johnson's story. They initially attempted to support him, but his struggles ultimately led to his suspension from the team. The episode suggests that the Hawks were caught between supporting a player and protecting the team's image and reputation. It also raises questions about the responsibility of teams to support athletes struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

• What are some of the lessons learned from Eddie Johnson's story?

  Eddie Johnson's story offers several lessons, including the importance of addressing mental health issues in athletes, the need for greater awareness and support for individuals struggling with addiction, and the complexities of navigating fame and addiction. It also highlights the challenges faced by athletes in the public eye and the need for teams and leagues to provide more support for athletes struggling with these issues.

• How does Eddie Johnson's story relate to the broader issue of substance abuse in professional sports?

  Eddie Johnson's story is a stark reminder of the prevalence of substance abuse in professional sports. The episode highlights the pressures and temptations that athletes face, as well as the potential consequences of addiction. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and support for athletes struggling with substance abuse.

Show Notes