AA's Drug Use: Chopin's Brief Take

Chopin · 11-02-2009, 08:28 PM

Granted I've only read excerpts from the book, but I'm sure you guys have been waiting for my definitive take.

Here it is:

Given AA's tumultuous youth, it's no surprise that he took some nasty drugs. As far as taking speed, he was 15 and being pressured by a father who sounds like a lunatic (threatening people with guns and axes). If you're still upset about something a 9th grader did--you're an idiot.

The meth is much worse and is inexcusable. Yet, at the same time, I don't think it helped AA's career any and yes, he could have received a 3 month suspension, but everything in perspective, I don't think it's particularly shocking or important that he was doing meth in terms of evaluating his tennis accomplishments. The ATP is also to blame. What if a journeyman had tested positive? Would they have believed (or cared about) some half-*** letter he wrote? I doubt it.

As for punishing the guy now: you cannot be serious. It's over and done with. End of story. And if AA wants to come clean about this, so be it. And, yes, it's a good seller for his book, but wearing a wig is also a seller--AA's book would have done just fine without this admission. Dislike the guy for what he did, not for telling the truth about it.

Agassi will not be punished and this whole issue will blow over very quickly.

Kind regards,
Chopin

Note: I reserve the right to modify my views upon reading the full text of AA's book.

nethawkwenatchee · 11-02-2009, 08:49 PM

Chopin. I like it!

It's amazing to me how many people are shocked over this story. A guy clears the air and tells his life story and people find it hard to believe there was some dirt along the way?

He took some pills before a junior tournament, snorted some blow in his 20's during a particularly difficult year, jealousness over girls, family problems ETC and now he should be cast aside from the halls of tennis legend?

Nothing is taken away from the hard work, victories, losses, tears, blood, ETC. that Andre spent rising to the top of our sport. He's an exceptional player... and it's a nice peice of piano playing you posted on the tube!

Take Care,

"nethawkwenatchee"

TheFifthSet · 11-02-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chopin

As far as taking speed, he was 15 and being pressured by a father who sounds like a lunatic (threatening people with guns and axes). If you're still upset about something a 9th grader did--you're an idiot.

Definitely agree with this. I'm still on the fence on the whole meth issue.

Great post. Can't wait to read the book.

mtr1 · 11-03-2009, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFifthSet

Can't wait to read the book.

That's the reaction Agassi was hoping for.

vandre · 11-03-2009, 07:43 AM

one of the most reasonable statements on this matter i've read on this board! well done, sir!

T10s747 · 11-03-2009, 11:15 AM

He outed himself before an accuser outed him much like James baldwin did when he outed himself being gay. Baldwin said that then no one could use it against him.

JoelDali · 11-03-2009, 11:31 AM

Another genius thread from the master of genius threads.

Chopin · 11-03-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoelDali

Another genius thread from the master of genius threads.

Thanks. I like this a lot.

Kind regards,
Chopin

Clintspin · 11-03-2009, 03:27 PM

Should a player that lied to the ATP about his drug use be admitted to the Tennis Hall of Fame?

wally · 11-03-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clintspin

Should a player that lied to the ATP about his drug use be admitted to the Tennis Hall of Fame?

Granted Johnny Mac never "lied to the ATP" , but he never fully came out and admitted what most folks have long suspected - He did a bit of partying himself back in the day. Especially during the Tatum O'neal era.

Mac hinted around in his book at his less than perfect choices

I think many of us on these boards have made a few "poor" choices (realtionships, behavior etc..) in life especailly in our youth. I would hate to have something I did 10+ yrs ago held over my head and wipe out my complete body of work.

Chopin · 11-03-2009, 08:06 PM

^^I agree 100%. AA lied about a drug that would have given him a 3 month suspension. Not that big of a deal considering the incredible length of his career. AA probably would have accomplished more if he wasn't making destructive choices. This further proves what many of us suspected--AA wasted some of his talent.

His charity work and promotion of the game easily makes up for his lie.

Guys, this whole thing is going to blow over once the actual book is released. Mark my words.

Chopin · 11-03-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clintspin

Should a player that lied to the ATP about his drug use be admitted to the Tennis Hall of Fame?

Even though I think the answer is yes in the case of AA, I think this is a really great question and thank you very much for participating in my thread.

Kind regards,
Chopin

11-02-2009, 08:28 PM	#1
Chopin Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: St. John, USVI Posts: 3,685	AA's Drug Use: Chopin's Brief Take Granted I've only read excerpts from the book, but I'm sure you guys have been waiting for my definitive take. Here it is: Given AA's tumultuous youth, it's no surprise that he took some nasty drugs. As far as taking speed, he was 15 and being pressured by a father who sounds like a lunatic (threatening people with guns and axes). If you're still upset about something a 9th grader did--you're an idiot. The meth is much worse and is inexcusable. Yet, at the same time, I don't think it helped AA's career any and yes, he could have received a 3 month suspension, but everything in perspective, I don't think it's particularly shocking or important that he was doing meth in terms of evaluating his tennis accomplishments. The ATP is also to blame. What if a journeyman had tested positive? Would they have believed (or cared about) some half-*** letter he wrote? I doubt it. As for punishing the guy now: you cannot be serious. It's over and done with. End of story. And if AA wants to come clean about this, so be it. And, yes, it's a good seller for his book, but wearing a wig is also a seller--AA's book would have done just fine without this admission. Dislike the guy for what he did, not for telling the truth about it. Agassi will not be punished and this whole issue will blow over very quickly. Kind regards, Chopin Note: I reserve the right to modify my views upon reading the full text of AA's book. __________________ New Poll: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=463382

11-02-2009, 08:49 PM	#2
nethawkwenatchee Semi-Pro Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Wenatchee, WA Posts: 588	Chopin. I like it! It's amazing to me how many people are shocked over this story. A guy clears the air and tells his life story and people find it hard to believe there was some dirt along the way? He took some pills before a junior tournament, snorted some blow in his 20's during a particularly difficult year, jealousness over girls, family problems ETC and now he should be cast aside from the halls of tennis legend? Nothing is taken away from the hard work, victories, losses, tears, blood, ETC. that Andre spent rising to the top of our sport. He's an exceptional player... and it's a nice peice of piano playing you posted on the tube! Take Care, "nethawkwenatchee" __________________ TDHM05 Last edited by nethawkwenatchee : 11-02-2009 at 09:05 PM.

11-03-2009, 07:43 AM	#5
vandre Professional Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: no man's land Posts: 1,428	one of the most reasonable statements on this matter i've read on this board! well done, sir! __________________ 2hbh Club Member #58 "The Donald" of club tennis!

11-03-2009, 11:15 AM	#6
T10s747 Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY Posts: 350	He outed himself before an accuser outed him much like James baldwin did when he outed himself being gay. Baldwin said that then no one could use it against him. __________________ Wilson X-Factor 90 with PolyStar Turbo @ 55lbs. "Never fall in love with a tennis player, love means nothing to them."

11-03-2009, 11:31 AM	#7
JoelDali Legend Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 8,946	Another genius thread from the master of genius threads. __________________ There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.