Darryl Strawberry has a message for anyone writing Nick Kyrgios off after the tennis star’s positive cocaine test: ease up.
The former MLB slugger, who battled drug abuse during his playing days, is now a pastor helping others recover.
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He recently spoke with TMZ Sports, making clear where he stands on Kyrgios’ situation.
“I think it’s truly unfair when people punish people, especially athletes, that have substance abuse problems,” Strawberry said.
“I had it for a very long time and I received the same kind of treatment from the public.
A lot of times we don’t understand what a person is going through emotionally, mentally, inside.”
“Substance abuse is just something to escape from.
You can be great as an athlete and have all the talent you want, but at the same time, when you’re broken on the inside, you need to be healed on the inside.
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And that’s all it is really for him.”
Strawberry’s Own Struggles
Strawberry knows the territory.
Despite a fantastic career, baseball fans have long wondered what could have been if he hadn’t struggled with drugs.
All these years later, Darryl, who was suspended by MLB three times, has not only cleaned himself up but also helped countless others get on the right track.
“I’ve been in recovery a long time. I’m a minister of the gospel now.
You know, people have written me off. We’re not God and we shouldn’t play that.”
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“Recovery is possible and it's good. People have to give people a chance.
We don't know what's hurting them.”
What Kyrgios Needs
As for what Nick needs, Darryl’s focus is simple, and it has nothing to do with tennis.
“He just needs time. He just needs people to love him through the process.
And that’s what it was for me, having people love me through the process and help me through the process.
We all need help. You know, we all fall short.”
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With the positive drug test, Kyrgios faces a suspension that could last four years. Strawberry hopes that’s not the direction the powers that be go down.
