[McDunkin]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/The-sad-tale-of-Ray-Williams-10-year-NBA-vet-no?urn=nba,253262

Every night at bedtime, former Celtic Ray Williams locks the doors of his home: a broken-down 1992 Buick, rusting on a back street where he ran out of everything.

The 10-year NBA veteran formerly known as “Sugar Ray” leans back in the driver’s seat, drapes his legs over the center console, and rests his head on a pillow of tattered towels. He tunes his boom box to gospel music, closes his eyes, and wonders.
Williams, a generation removed from staying in first-class hotels with Larry Bird and Co. in their drive to the 1985 NBA Finals, mostly wonders how much more he can bear.

The most sobering thing about Hohler’s piece? Williams’ decline into unemployment, poverty and homelessness appears to have just kind of … happened.

[OrangeJuiceJonesParticipant]

This is a sad, sad story. Like the author said, it’s not like he’s been battling a drug or gambling addiction since his retirement; he’s just had some terrible luck. One of his former teammates should definitely help him. I’m sure someone could get him a job that would pay him enough money to help him get back on his feet.

[OhCanada-Participant]

What is the NBAsinvolvement amongst this situation or other situations like this. Youd think a Bonus to get the man on his feet wouldnt hurt. Even if there are 10 of these cases a year 25 grand per case wouldnt hurt.

[NarcParticipant]

I just got finished reading this on Yahoo and I feel terrible for the guy. Here’s a guy who has been on the straight and narrow, lived a clean lifestyle and he catches a terrible break that causes him to be homeless. I think that the Players Association should step in and help some of the guys like that who are down on their luck.

But I do have a question, don’t retired NBA players get some type of a monthly pension??

[SteroidParticipant]

Actually going broke and bankrupt seems pretty common among NBA players, moreover, professional athletes nowadays. Antwan Walker went into hardcore debt from gambling and paying for his entourage. Walker would buy his friends cars, clothes, dinner, and he basically flew them around to every game he played. I wouldn’t be surprised if he bought them houses. That took a toll on his money and now he is having to play in leagues overseas just to get out of debt he is in.

I can’t judge them for what they do with their money because I’ve never had that much money, but it’s pretty sad that these guys become extremely rich compared to the average person, who only makes 2-4 million in a lifetime (with a college degree..), go into debt after they retire. I assume most of these guys pay for things and don’t use the best judgment when they’re spending the money while they have it, then when they retire, all the money they owe starts to catch up with them because they no longer can make the money they used to make to sustain that lifestyle they’ve brought upon themselves. One of the biggest things that trip these guys up is their friends/family. It’s nothing wrong with buying your parents a house or getting your friends a couple of nice suits, but don’t actually pay for them to live. The next thing is not having a plan after they retire. Find something to do.. Be a sports analysts or stay around the league and do something. I’d say Magic Johnson is the most successful basketball player after his career and he is a good example of how to make it without playing basketball. I’m surprised none of these guys don’t have any financial advisers to help them spend their money wisely. Well it doesn’t seem like they’re getting any help or just that stubborn. That would be one of the first people that goes on the payroll if I was making that kind of money…

[loccenupParticipant]

I don’t feel to bad for him, he had money and didn’t save it. It’s the same for anyone, blow through all your money and then surprise you have none. One terrible break, well he should;ve planed better.

[Anton123Participant]

Guys back then weren’t getting as much as they do now and when you’ve retired you really mostly have no skills for normal life, you can’t find a proper work because all you did all your life was play b-ball, I’m very sorry for the guy. Not sorry for Walker though, he had plenty f cash and just simply blew it

[Author]

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