SacBee: Kings' Miller discusses failed drug test

[Revrag]

The Bee's Sam Amick spoke this afternoon with a candid and remorseful Brad Miller about his recent suspension.

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[nbrans]

Really interesting interview. Can't be easy being an NBA player, and seems like Brad has some things he needs to deal with. I certainly couldn't imagine living under this kind of a microscope.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Really interesting interview. Can't be easy being an NBA player, and seems like Brad has some things he needs to deal with. I certainly couldn't imagine living under this kind of a microscope.

And to remain very private about it, as well...it's another job on top of a job, I could imagine...even though he makes a gazillion $$$'s it seems, I'm sure with that fame and fortune comes incredible stress for him and his family, especially his immediate one. Good luck dealing with everything Brad, I know it's tougher than all us REGULAR folks might think, being an NBA player and all. lol

 

[Kingzrool]

If he lived in CA, he probably could have gotten a prescription.

 

[Gary]

I dunno.. I am split on the whole "weed" issue. As someone who used to drink and smoke pot I have to say that drinking was worse for me, but as I got older I saw myself not smoking weed anymore, but still having the occasional drink. Drinking was actually worse for me than smoking pot, because pot kept me mellow, and in control. Alcohol on the other hand makes a lot people belligerent and confrontational, me included.

You know what's really dumb? As a pharmacy student back in 2002-2003 I learned that they had marijuana listed as a c1 drug (meaning the worst class of drugs in the same class as meth). Supposedly they rate these on addictiveness the same as meth. When I stopped smoking pot it was easier then quitting cigarettes. I actually didn't feel like I needed it or anything. This after smoking weed for about 10 years. It's something I just grew out of I guess. I don't feel like a bad person for having did it or like a former drug addict or anything.

Now getting to the point of this I think people shouldn't make Brad feel like he's a bad person for doing this. It's no worse than having a glass of wine to mellow you out after a long day at work. The government needs to just legalize it already. This is coming from a person that does NOT smoke weed anymore.

 

[Bricklayer]

And to remain very private about it, as well...it's another job on top of a job, I could imagine...even though he makes a gazillion $$$'s it seems, I'm sure with that fame and fortune comes incredible stress for him and his family, especially his immediate one. Good luck dealing with everything Brad, I know it's tougher than all us REGULAR folks might think, being an NBA player and all. lol

You put a weak person in any remotely stressful environment, and there is always the chance they crack, and turn toward anything to let them escape.

This interview was illuminative but hardly makes me respect Brad. Quite the opposite. His story is of course not remortely unique, not being able to deal and running and hiding in drugs, alcohol, sleeping pills etc. is a hugely prevalent problem and there are no doubt any number of people on this board who know what it feels like. It does not make it any less weak. Just a common human weakness.

 

[VF21]

Brad could have easily done what so many have done before him and hide behind the fact that the team/league says NOTHING about what happened. I think he's being honest about this and I wish him well.

 

[kennadog]

Brad is a very private person. I applaud his honesty and openess on this issue. To me, it appears to come from sincere remorse and a desire to deal with his life in better ways. How often do you see that from athletes, especially when it comes to this subject?

It's easy to call someone weak, because they admit to being stressed and having issues stemming from their childhood. That's exactly why so many men, in particular, won't admit having trouble coping or try and get help with their problems.

Everyone has ways to deal with stress and my guess is that for most people it's usually not beneficial or healthy. People are "addicted" to a lot of negative habits to deal with stress.

Over-eating, gambling, smacking the wife or kids around, drinking too much, watching TV for hours every day, getting into debt, sleeping too much, picking fights, driving fast/recklessly, porn, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, bulemia, cutting, stealing, lying, infidelity.

The list is endless. Some of those have worse consequences than smoking pot.

To me being strong isn't about having no habitual negative behaviors, it's about being willing to admit you have them and taking steps to do something about it or at least trying. I wish Brad all the best.

 

[=LarryLegend=]

Over-eating, watching TV for hours every day, .

League needs to look into Eddy Curry and Jerome James about these!

 

[Amory]

Most EVERYONE with sleeping problems has tried pot to get to sleep. It's a dumb idea but people need to try it to see how stupid it is.

For me I just need to work out a bunch and I can sleep fine. It sucks if you are an NBA player who works out everyday and still can't sleep.

Brad will change and hopefully take something to put him to sleep. Trazodone always works!

 

[Telemachus]

Most EVERYONE with sleeping problems has tried pot to get to sleep. It's a dumb idea but people need to try it to see how stupid it is.

For me I just need to work out a bunch and I can sleep fine. It sucks if you are an NBA player who works out everyday and still can't sleep.

I happen to know several people who use pot to put them to sleep very successfully. I also know others who it has the opposite affect on.

As for working out to help fall asleep, I don't see it. All it does for me is get my adrenaline flowing, which is what keeps you awake. I know when I use to play sports all the time, it was impossible for me to fall asleep for at least 2 or 3 hours after I finished.