May 27, 2018

Former Celtics player Chris Herren to speak at East Longmeadow parish

REGIONAL
Staff report

(Photos from Bing images)

EAST LONGMEADOW – Former Boston Celtics basketball player Chris Herren will speak about substance abuse and recovery on Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. at St. Michael Parish, 128 Maple St., here. The presentation is being sponsored by the parish and Forestiere Smith Funeral and Cremation.

A native of Fall River, Mass., Herren broke scoring records, was recruited by top colleges, was featured in Sports Illustrated, and was the focus of the book, Fall River Dreams. He achieved his goal of playing in the NBA when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999.

Chris Herren, a former NBA player who lost it all to his drug addiction, speaks in Upper Mount Bethel, Pa., in 2011. (Express-Times Photo/ Matt Smith)

Herren was traded to the Boston Celtics after his first season, but lost his dream career due to substance abuse.

Alcohol and drug-free since Aug. 1, 2008, he said he has refocused his life, putting his sobriety and family above all else. His memoir, Basketball Junkie, details his story of abuse and recovery. He also was the subject of the Emmy-nominated ESPN Films documentary, “Unguarded.”

Herren will share the story of his addiction and recovery at the June 7 event. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and seating will be limited due to fire code safety.

The presentation is free and open to the public. A free will donation will be appreciated.