Chris Herren - Overcoming Addiction & Making a Difference

At the 2012 Rhode Island Sports Awards, Herren brought an honest approach to the state's top high school student-athletes, challenging them to rethink how we look at the disease of addiction & changing the focus from the last day to the first. A one time Fall River basketball phenom at Durfee High School, Chris Herren had huge expectations as he made the McDonald's All America team and spurned offers from Kentucky & Duke to stay home and attend Boston College. Herren failed multiple drug tests before transferring to play for Jerry Tarkanian at Fresno State. He suited up in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets & Boston Celtics but his struggles with substance abuse led to a shortened career and he moved overseas, where he hit rock bottom. Today, Herren and his team empower schools and communities to make healthy choices, while helping to guide families through recovery.