Ex-NBA player Herren battles addiction

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) - Despite being one of the best basketball players Massachusetts ever saw, Fall River's Chris Herren's battle with addiction became his true struggle.

A McDonald's All-American at Durfee, Herren's career took him to Boston College, Fresno State, and the NBA playing with both the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets.

But at every stop, Herren turned to drugs and alcohol.

Then, last June, it all came to a head.

"I was found unconsious in my car close to death," Herren said.  "And that's the end result of what I was doing."

Once he hit rock bottom, Herren was willing to accept help from his friends and family including some former teammates who stood by him.

Now, sober for a year, Herren is teaching the game he loves to kids.

"I'm trying to pass down what I learned, and if they can get it at an early age, it's worth it," Herren said.

And he also helps teach some of the lessons he's learned about making bad life choices.

"I learned from it, and if they need to ask, I'm here."