GUEST BLOGGER: Dr. Richard Hoffman, sports psychologistMichael Kay interviewed former New York icon darryl strawberry on YES Network's Centerstage.
Watching this interview, if you don't know the man's history or personality type (Enneagram Type 3), you may get inspired or feel happiness that someone beat an addiction.
At the risk of being a cynic, Strawberry didn't pass my smell test. I've seen other athletes or celebrities talk about how they are clean now, and how convincing they are. Part of the embarrassment of messing up is that everyone gets to know your personal life, your sins, and the gossip. Numerous books, newspaper articles, peer interviews, and court records lend a lot of insight into guys like Strawberry or former WWF Champion Superstar Billy Graham or Boy George or the dozens of former idols that threw their life down the toilet like they did with cocaine when the cops bust the door down.
Yes, I sympathize with my fellow humans. Yes, I hope they really are passed their addictions and patterns of lies. But it's a struggle each and every day. That's not something Strawberry admits to anymore.
Before I list the comments Straw made, let me give a full disclosure: 1) yes, I did have preconceived notions in my head about Straw. Some who don't really know the grim details about his life would be much more willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. 2) Dwight Gooden in his own way- has some issues with Straw in his own book,
Dwight Gooden: Heat. I tend to side with Gooden. 3) Strawberry actually handled this interview VERY well, and seemed genuine, honest, physically healthy, had a great sense of humor, humble, and self-aware. I don't expect most readers to see what I saw. If you wanna think I'm skewed...well, more power to ya.
Okay here we go:
1) Firstly, Strawberry was on the YESNetwork to promote his new book. 'nuff said.
2) Strawberry had explanations (or excuses?) for his downfall. Such explanations included a) Being from the hood; b) Not having guidance in the majors; and c) Having a dad that told him he'd never amount to anything.
3) When asked about his first wife, Lisa, you know the one according to most accounts he got into fights all the time with (maybe even physical fights)- he didn't hesitate to say the marriage was a mistake, and that they never got along. He said it was a forced relationship due to her pregnancy. In a joking way, he assassinated her character.
4) During Michael Kay's Hit-and-Run segment, where Kay throws names at the guest for a quick response- Straw was unable to make a statement on Doc Gooden. Why? Guilt? Negative feelings? He didn't hold back to take a shot at Gary Carter, however.
5) His current state of happiness and enlightenment is tied to his new wife. What happens if she leaves?
6) Probably the most telling statement Straw made, however, was telling Michael Kay that he has NO temptations anymore to fall back into his addictions. None. Zero. Nada. He's CURED.
In closing, I hope Darryl stays clean and healthy. It is possible. People do change. People can overcome addiction. I've seen it. But it seemed as if his answers were programmed. He's been through dozens of rehab programs and church counseling- he knows what to say, he knows the routine. He never had a high IQ..he's a jock, kinda like A-Rod.
You can call me a doubter, but realize I do hope he proves me wrong. He is in a good environment now with a supportive wife. He does charity work with here, so he feels giving. I believe in forgiveness, and he shouldn't be tied down to his past. But...I just got bad vibes. He's a preacher now?
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DAMIAN SAYS: Here is video from that interview (can be viewed in Internet Explorer or Google Chrome, not certain under most conditions in Mozilla Firefox).
Strawberry Interview 1Strawberry Interview 2Strawberry Interview 3Labels: Mets
