Digest

This episode of Crime in Sports continues to delve into the tumultuous life of Fast Eddie Johnson, a talented NBA player whose career was derailed by a persistent cocaine addiction. The episode details Johnson's numerous arrests and legal troubles, including charges for burglary, battery, robbery, drug possession, resisting arrest, and battery of law enforcement officers. The episode highlights the devastating impact of drug addiction on Johnson's life, both personally and professionally, and explores the challenges he faced in trying to overcome his addiction. The episode also features a shocking revelation of Johnson's arrest for sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl, which ultimately led to a life sentence for him. The episode concludes with a discussion of the lasting legacy of Johnson's story and the importance of addressing drug addiction in professional sports. The episode also discusses the death of Fast Eddie Johnson and the misidentification of another Eddie Johnson, a former NBA player and television analyst, who was mistakenly identified as the perpetrator of child sexual assault. The hosts emphasize the importance of journalistic research and the need for accuracy in reporting. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to subscribe to the show's Patreon and to listen to upcoming episodes about fireworks accidents and the real Wyatt Earp.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast and its hosts, James Petrogallo and Jimmy Wiseman, as they welcome listeners to part three of their series on Fast Eddie Johnson. They briefly mention that Johnson's story spans three weeks due to the extensive nature of his crimes and the numerous legal issues he faced.

00:00:37

Fast Eddie's Downward Spiral

This Chapter delves into the details of Fast Eddie Johnson's downfall, highlighting his struggles with cocaine addiction and the numerous arrests that ultimately led to his expulsion from the NBA. The hosts discuss Johnson's attempts to stay in shape and showcase his talents while facing the consequences of his addiction. They also explore the impact of his addiction on his personal life, including his relationships with his wife and family.

00:37:50

Tree Rollins' Perspective

This Chapter features an interview with Tree Rollins, a former teammate of Fast Eddie Johnson, who shares his insights on Johnson's struggles with cocaine addiction. Rollins expresses his concern for Johnson's well-being and the devastating impact of his addiction on his life. He also discusses his efforts to warn young athletes about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help.

00:45:57

Fast Eddie's Continued Downfall

This Chapter details Fast Eddie Johnson's continued struggles with drug addiction and his numerous arrests, including charges for battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and shoplifting. The hosts discuss the impact of Johnson's addiction on his life and the challenges he faced in trying to overcome it.

00:49:52

Fast Eddie's Sexual Assault Charges

This Chapter reveals the shocking news of Fast Eddie Johnson's arrest for sexual battery and burglary in commission of a rape of a 25-year-old woman in a Florida motel room. The hosts discuss the details of the incident and the potential consequences for Johnson.

00:51:06

Fast Eddie's Child Sexual Assault

This Chapter details the most serious charge against Fast Eddie Johnson: sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl. The hosts discuss the details of the incident, Johnson's denial of the charges, and the impact of his actions on the victim and her family.

00:53:53

The Other Eddie Johnson

This Chapter explores the confusion surrounding Fast Eddie Johnson's arrest and the media's misidentification of another Eddie Johnson, a former NBA player and television analyst. The hosts discuss the impact of this mistake on both Eddie Johnsons and the challenges of distinguishing between individuals with the same name.

01:03:20

Charles Barkley's Reaction

This Chapter features Charles Barkley's reaction to the news of Fast Eddie Johnson's arrest for child sexual assault. Barkley expresses his concern for the other Eddie Johnson, a former NBA player and television analyst, who was mistakenly identified as the perpetrator. The hosts discuss the impact of this mistake on both Eddie Johnsons and the challenges of distinguishing between individuals with the same name.

01:11:50

Fast Eddie's Trial and Conviction

This Chapter details Fast Eddie Johnson's trial for sexual assault and the evidence presented against him. The hosts discuss the testimony of the victim, the defense attorney's arguments, and the jury's verdict. The episode concludes with a discussion of the lasting legacy of Johnson's story and the importance of addressing drug addiction in professional sports.

01:23:40

Fast Eddie's Legacy

This Chapter reflects on Fast Eddie Johnson's life and legacy, highlighting the devastating impact of drug addiction and the complexities of his story. The hosts discuss the challenges of distinguishing between individuals with the same name and the importance of addressing drug addiction in professional sports.

01:28:43

Other Eddie Johnsons

This Chapter explores the lives of other individuals named Eddie Johnson, including a former Cleveland Browns linebacker, a vice president of customer experience for a company, and a musician. The hosts discuss the challenges of distinguishing between individuals with the same name and the impact of Fast Eddie Johnson's actions on his legacy.

01:30:34

The Chicago Tribune's Mistake

This Chapter details the Chicago Tribune's mistake in misidentifying Fast Eddie Johnson as the perpetrator of child sexual assault. The hosts discuss the newspaper's apology and the impact of this mistake on both Eddie Johnsons and the challenges of distinguishing between individuals with the same name.

01:38:21

Fast Eddie's Death and Misidentification

This Chapter discusses the death of Fast Eddie Johnson and the misidentification of another Eddie Johnson, a former NBA player and television analyst, who was mistakenly identified as the perpetrator of child sexual assault. The hosts emphasize the importance of journalistic research and the need for accuracy in reporting. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to subscribe to the show's Patreon and to listen to upcoming episodes about fireworks accidents and the real Wyatt Earp.

01:47:21

Patreon and Upcoming Episodes

This Chapter concludes the episode with a call to action for listeners to subscribe to the show's Patreon and to listen to upcoming episodes about fireworks accidents and the real Wyatt Earp. The hosts highlight the benefits of Patreon membership, including access to exclusive content and bonus episodes.

Keywords

Q&A

• What led to Fast Eddie Johnson's downfall and expulsion from the NBA?

  Fast Eddie Johnson's career was tragically derailed by a persistent cocaine addiction. His struggles with drug abuse led to numerous arrests, including charges for possession and sale of cocaine, as well as other offenses like passing bad checks and theft. These incidents ultimately resulted in his suspension and eventual expulsion from the league.

• What were some of the challenges Fast Eddie Johnson faced in trying to overcome his addiction?

  Johnson's addiction proved to be a formidable obstacle. He struggled with relapses, failed to comply with mandatory counseling programs, and continued to engage in illegal activities. The episode highlights the difficulty of overcoming addiction, especially when faced with the pressures and temptations of a high-profile career.

• What insights did Tree Rollins offer about Fast Eddie Johnson's struggles and the impact of drug abuse on athletes?

  Tree Rollins, a former teammate of Johnson, expressed deep concern for his friend's well-being and the devastating impact of his addiction. He emphasized the importance of seeking help and warned young athletes about the dangers of drug abuse. Rollins also shared his personal experiences with witnessing the destructive effects of drugs on his fellow players.

• What were the most serious charges against Fast Eddie Johnson?

  Fast Eddie Johnson faced a number of serious charges, including sexual battery and burglary in commission of a rape of a 25-year-old woman in a Florida motel room. However, the most serious charge was sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl, which ultimately led to a life sentence for him.

• How did the Chicago Tribune misidentify Fast Eddie Johnson?

  The Chicago Tribune mistakenly identified Fast Eddie Johnson as the perpetrator of child sexual assault. They confused him with another Eddie Johnson, a former NBA player and television analyst. This mistake highlights the importance of verifying information before publishing it and the potential consequences of mistakes.

• What was the impact of the Chicago Tribune's mistake on both Eddie Johnsons?

  The Chicago Tribune's mistake had a significant impact on both Eddie Johnsons. The former NBA player and television analyst was mistakenly accused of a serious crime, which damaged his reputation and caused him emotional distress. Fast Eddie Johnson, the actual perpetrator, was also affected by the mistake, as it led to increased media attention and scrutiny. The case highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the potential consequences of publishing false information.

• What was the outcome of Fast Eddie Johnson's trial?

  Fast Eddie Johnson was found guilty of all charges against him, including sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His story highlights the devastating impact of drug addiction and the importance of addressing this issue in professional sports.

• What is the lasting legacy of Fast Eddie Johnson's story?

  Fast Eddie Johnson's story serves as a cautionary tale about the devastating impact of drug addiction and the importance of seeking help. It also highlights the challenges of distinguishing between individuals with the same name and the importance of responsible journalism. His story is a reminder that even talented and successful individuals can be affected by addiction and that the consequences of their actions can be severe.

• What are some of the challenges of distinguishing between individuals with the same name?

  Distinguishing between individuals with the same name can be challenging, especially in the age of the internet and social media. This can lead to misidentification, which can have serious consequences for both the misidentified individual and the person who was actually involved in the incident. The Chicago Tribune's misidentification of Fast Eddie Johnson highlights the importance of verifying information before publishing it and the potential consequences of mistakes.

• What is the importance of addressing drug addiction in professional sports?

  Drug addiction is a serious problem that can affect individuals from all walks of life, including professional athletes. It is important to address this issue in professional sports to protect athletes from the devastating consequences of addiction and to create a healthier and safer environment for all involved. Fast Eddie Johnson's story highlights the challenges of overcoming addiction, especially when faced with the pressures and temptations of a high-profile career.

Show Notes