#415 - No One Saw Me Do It - "Fast" Eddie Johnson - Part 2
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Eddie Johnson
Eddie Johnson was an American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1977 to 1987. He was known for his scoring ability and his struggles with drug addiction and mental health issues. He played for the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Phoenix Suns during his career.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Hawks have won one NBA championship, in 1958, when they were known as the St. Louis Hawks.
Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction is a serious substance use disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite negative consequences. Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that can lead to a range of physical and psychological problems, including heart problems, stroke, seizures, paranoia, and psychosis.
Mental Health
Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. Mental health problems are common and can range from mild to severe. Some common mental health conditions include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Professional Athletes
Professional athletes are individuals who compete in sports for a living. They are often highly skilled and dedicated to their sport. Professional athletes face unique challenges, including intense pressure to perform, public scrutiny, and the risk of injury.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. It can lead to a range of problems, including addiction, physical and mental health issues, and social and legal consequences.
Manic Depression
Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of mania, characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and racing thoughts, and periods of depression, characterized by low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities.
Psychiatric Ward
A psychiatric ward is a specialized unit within a hospital that provides care for patients with mental health conditions. Psychiatric wards offer a range of services, including medication management, therapy, and support groups.
Commitment Order
A commitment order is a legal document that authorizes the involuntary confinement of an individual to a mental health facility. Commitment orders are typically issued by a judge or other legal authority when an individual is deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.
Lithium
Lithium is a mood-stabilizing medication used to treat bipolar disorder. It helps to regulate mood swings and reduce the severity of manic and depressive episodes. Lithium is typically taken orally in tablet or capsule form.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Cavaliers have won one NBA championship, in 2016.
Continental Basketball Association (CBA)
The Continental Basketball Association (CBA) was a professional basketball league in the United States that operated from 1946 to 2009. The CBA was a developmental league for the NBA, and many players who went on to successful careers in the NBA played in the CBA.
Seattle Supersonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. They were a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The SuperSonics won one NBA championship, in 1979. The team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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
This week, we continue this saga as Eddie tries to show everyone that his troubles are behind him. His legal, drug, and mental problems. But, the next thing you know, he's being hauled off the Atlanta Hawks practice court by police, and dragged off to a mental institution. He insists his drug problems are a thing of the past, but his own mother seems to disagree. Will he snort his way out of the NBA???
Have your best season, be dragged out of work by police, and be as important to Ted Turner as a transponder on one of his satellites with "Fast" Eddie Johnson!!
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