Former NBA player Willie Cauley-Stein has opened up about his battle with addiction, revealing the life-threatening consequences he faced.
In a candid interview with Kyle Tucker of The Athletic, Cauley-Stein shared how his addiction to bootleg Percocet, which was unknowingly laced with fentanyl, nearly cost him his life.
He admitted that he had been consuming these pills in large quantities for months, unaware of the deadly risks involved.
Reflecting on his past, Cauley-Stein stated, “I could easily be dead,” highlighting the gravity of his situation.
The former Kentucky standout entered a rehabilitation center after realizing the dangerous path he was on.
His addiction began to spiral after the death of his grandmother, who raised him, and other personal challenges during his NBA career.
Cauley-Stein’s decision to seek help was driven by the fear of losing his life and the desire to reclaim his future.
Despite his struggles, Cauley-Stein has found solace in his recovery and is determined to move forward.
He described the experience of entering rehab as a turning point, where he confronted his demons and began the journey to sobriety.
Cauley-Stein acknowledged that his addiction took more than just his physical health; it robbed him of his joy, energy, and passion for basketball.
After completing his rehabilitation, he began to rediscover his love for the game and life itself.
Cauley-Stein’s recovery has not been easy, but he credits his time in rehab with helping him find a renewed sense of purpose.
He expressed gratitude for the support he received from his family and the basketball community during his recovery.
The former NBA player has since made a return to basketball, participating in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) and showing flashes of his former self.
He played some of his best basketball in years during the tournament, which he described as a life-affirming experience.
The support from his former teammates and fans at Kentucky helped Cauley-Stein reconnect with the game he loves.
As he continues his journey, Cauley-Stein remains hopeful for another opportunity in the NBA or a significant overseas contract.
He believes that sharing his story of addiction and recovery might open new doors for him professionally and personally.
Cauley-Stein is committed to staying sober and using his experience to help others who may be struggling with similar issues.
He has also expressed interest in completing his college degree and possibly moving his family back to Lexington, Kentucky.
