Vin Baker is a former NBA All-Star, who played 13 seasons in the league and earned nearly $100 million during his career.
However, his life took a downward spiral. He struggled with alcoholism, made bad investments and gambled, so in the years following his retirement, he would ultimately blow his entire fortune... and lose his 10,000 sq. ft. Connecticut home to foreclosure.
Today, he works at Starbucks in Rhode Island, where he's currently training to be a manager.
While fans might see his life as tragic, Baker sees it as a story of redemption.
"When you learn lessons in life, no matter what level you're at financially, the important part to realize is it could happen," he tells the Providence Journal. "I was an alcoholic. I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they're like, 'Wow.'
"For me, I'm 43, and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces. I'm a father. I'm a minister in my father's church. I have to take the story and show that you can bounce back. If I use my notoriety in the right way, most people will appreciate that this guy is just trying to bounce back in his life."
As for his new job, he loves it. He says he's love the community and the people he works with. "In this company, there are opportunities for everyone," Baker said. "I have an excellent situation here at Starbucks, and the people are wonderful."
Baker said that he's "resolved, somewhat favorably" a previous lawsuit with his accountant, but tells the paper he has to work to support his family.
Read the full piece over at ProvidenceJournal.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment