Heartbreaker - My view of Chris Herren & ESPN's Documentary, "Unguarded"

                                                     Chris & Heather Herren & their 3 kids.

Sat down on Tuesday night, November 1, 2011 to watch ESPN's feature on Chris Herren, entitled "Unguarded." About 30 minutes into it my 11 year old son walked into the house and started watching it with me. He had a lot of homework, but I thought this documentary was more important for him to watch than doing his homework.

Why? Most young kids only see the glamorous side of sports when they watch a top flight college or pro athlete in person or on television. I wanted him to see the darker side of life and the sports world. I wanted him to see what can happen to an individual when he is unable to say "no" to temptation, drugs, alcohol, negative influences, and questionable friends. I wanted him to see how talent can be wasted due to the choices one makes in his life. I wanted him to understand the value of being at peace with yourself. I wanted him to understand the value of being educated and making good choices with that education. I wanted him to experience Chris Herren's journey and learn from it.

I scouted Chris Herren when he played for Fresno State. First saw him in November of 1997 against Florida A & M and last saw him play in college in February, 1999 against Utah and Andre Miller. I started writing blog posts because some people who read my extended tweets dug reading my old scouting reports. Later, I'll be sharing what I thought of Chris Herren, the player, when he was in college, but that's not the focal point of this post. The focal point of this post is to highlight ESPN's documentary, "Unguarded."

Talented athletes in America, especially talented young basketball and football players can get a warped sense of reality at a very young age. Chris' older brother, Michael preceded him at Durfee High School in Fall River, Mass. and left quite a legacy in leading teams that won back to back state championships. Local fans were well aware of Chris' exploits before he even attended Durfee High School in the 9th grade. Chris and his high school teammates did three things well, they played ball, partied and drank together after their weekend games. Athletes live in the fast lane and if they don't have strong people in their lives they can quickly veer out of control.

One of my previous blogs, "Play Their Hearts Out," highlights the land mines that are a part of the youth basketball scene. I highlighted a book entitled, "The Hurried Child" in that blog because I wanted to emphasize to parents to let their children be children! 

"This book {Play Their Hearts Out} is a wake-up call to parents of young athletes to slow the process down. Don't let your child be "The Hurried Child." If you don't understand the ramifications of "The Hurried Child," read David Elkind's fine book on the consequences of putting children in harms way by exposing them to too much too soon."

Remarkably, the director of "Unguarded," Jonathan Hock echoed similar sentiments about rushing the process when talking about Chris Herren:

"It's not just the addiction that derailed his career. It's the total lack of perspective. If you tell a kid there is only one thing he can do that's worthy of him feeling good about himself, that's a tough spot to put a kid {in}.  I think if you look at this story, maybe you'll hesitate the next time you want to push that kid extra hard to do what Chris does. Let him play, let him have fun."

Strongly suggest clicking on the "Unguarded" link to read the "Director's Take." It's an excellent summary of the documentary. Here's the first paragraph:

"It's the way of most sports stories to show how a life's meaning can be found on the athletic field, how dedication to the game can provide redemption and honor. But sometimes talent is a mixed blessing, and the measure of an individual ultimately can't be taken by wins and losses."

Does participating in sports build or reveal character? Most, would say it builds it, but I think it reveals it. Chris had some serious character flaws. I entitled this piece "Heartbreaker," because drug addicts and alcoholics will break your heart. Watch Jerry Tarkanian talk about Chris and you know he broke his heart many, many times. The first report I ever wrote on Chris referenced his problems with substance abuse:

"Has had a lot of problems in his career. Transfer from Boston College. Substance Abuse - Voluntarily left team on 11/97 to seek treatment/counseling for substance abuse.  Character issues make him a big question mark for the NBA, but he should be scouted if he returns to college ball. If one can believe the media reports, it's a positive sign that he sought out help for his drug problem."   

The Chicago Bulls were very reluctant to take a chance on young athletes who had substance abuse problems. Chris Herren was scouted by the Bulls organization, but we never seriously considered taking him. Jerry Krause often talked about how much he learned about the mentality of athletes like Herren from dealing with Quintin Daily early in his Bulls tenure. Quintin, like Chris, was good at breaking many hearts.

Surprisingly, Chris was never at peace playing basketball in college or the pros. He couldn't function on the basketball court unless he was doing drugs. I don't know what demons he was dealing with in his life, but hearing Bill Reynolds, the co-author of his book, "Basketball Junkie: Memoir" talk about him now being at peace in his life made me think about the first lesson that I teach all kids that I coach.  What's the lesson? John Wooden's definition of success:

"SUCCESS IS PEACE OF MIND, WHICH IS A DIRECT RESULT OF SELF SATISFACTION IN KNOWING YOU DID YOUR BEST TO BECOME THE BEST THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF BECOMING."

Key phrases in Wooden's definition are "peace of mind" and "self satisfaction." Neither phrase was a part of Herren's psyche or vocabulary when he was playing basketball, and that's sad. Athletes love the adulation from others, but they must learn to honestly evaluate themselves and be content with the fruits of their effort.

It appears that Chris is now at peace in his life and that he can look in the mirror every morning when he shaves and be proud of the reflection that he sees of himself. Love is a powerful emotion, but we must learn to love, like, and be able to live with ourselves before we can extend true love to others. The most powerful definition about love that I've ever read/heard was written in M. Scott's Peck brilliant book, "The Road Less Traveled."  "Love is the will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth."


Speaking of love, nobody loves Chris more than his childhood sweetheart and wife, Heather Herren. Oftentimes, she was in the dark and in denial, and Chris broke her heart more times that she can count, but she persevered through the darkest of days. She maintained her love for him and kept their marriage intact. Choosing a life partner is one of the most important things that some of us will ever do in life. Chris chose wisely and considers Heather "a saint." When I think of Heather's love for Chris, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 is applicable:

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Next showing for "Unguarded" is Saturday, November 5 at 7AM EST on ESPN2 - Click on this link to check the schedule for all of ESPN films.

I'm also linking an interview that Chris had with Bill Simmons on 11/2/11 - Adds even more depth to the story - Just click on this link the listen to The B.S. Report. 

My final scouting report on Chris Herren
Opponent: Utah
Date: 2/20/99


Have now seen him against a good guard - Utah's Andre Miller and he does not measure up. This season has been a struggle for him - doesn't appear to be in great shape. Missed 7 games due to an ankle injury and the flu. Not in synch - Heavy in butt. Looks like a second rounder- being exposed by Miller. Sat major stretches of the second half and then took a very poor shot when they were down by 3 with less than a minute to go - sensed that he wanted to he the hero - you would think a point guard who just recently came into the game would have the sense to go with the hot hands of Alexander or Roberson. Off target on lob passes - appears intimidated - not able to penetrate. Making poor choices in half court situation - tough long passes. Average quickness - not quick enough to beat you off the dribble on a consistent basis. I hate to say it. but he played like he was on drugs. Married and expecting his first child in March.
Season Stats: {19G.17S,27M,42%,FG,39%,3pt..70%FT, 1.7R.12.2pts.,7.2A,2.5TO,1.1S}

Also saw versus LIU on 12/23/97 - Local reporter (Andy Katz) told me that he had a cocaine problem - 3rd game back after a self induced rehabilitation - returned to the program on 12/ 17. Average wing span. Big hips. Not explosive - good speed and quickness. Cocky. Has a lot of game on the offensive end - bringing energy to the game. Attack of the rim/finish in open court. Solid release and shot - 3 point range.  Good strength in powering up off the drive - deals with contact. Strong dr:ive left - powers up and over the defense. Sees floor on the break.

Also saw versus FAMU on 11/15/97 - Has had a lot of problems in his career. Transfer from Boston College. Substance Abuse -Voluntarily left the team in 11/97 to seek treatment/counseling for substance abuse. Block body - Good level of strength. Built along the lines of Matt Maloney. Average Wing span. Need to see against better guards. Combination guard. Good athlete. Did a good job of organizing the team and setting people up in this game. Impressed with his attack of the rim off the dribble. Good speed and has the ability to turn the corner and penetrate into the lane off the dribble. Good finisher in the lane, Has done a good job of drawing the defense and pitching to open man. Decent defender - exhibits good quickness and strength. Did not exhibit his complete arsenal this game. Was not looking for the jumper but he is considered to be a good shooter. Character issues make him a big question mark for the NBA. but he should be scouted if he returns to college ball. If one can believe the media reports.It's a positive sign that he sought out help for his drug problem.
1996-97 stats: {32G. 30.3M. 47.5%FG, 36.2% 3pt., 65.4% FT, 2.3 R, 4.6A, 2.9 TO, 1.8S, 17.5 Pts.}