12/18/24
October 27, 2009
Agassi Admits Crystal Meth Use in New Book: Andre Agassi admits in his upcoming autobiography to using crystal meth in 1997, which -- probably not coincidentally -- was the year he fell to 141st in the world rankings.
posted by TheQatarian to tennis at 09:46 PM - 13 comments
The most damning accusation here is that the ATP covered up his positive drug test. Wonder how many other times it has done that.
Sports Illustrated writer Richard Deitsch revealed this on Twitter but other publications got the scoop -- there's no report on the SI web site.
Smooth move, dude!
posted by rcade at 09:07 AM on October 28, 2009
So..why not admit his guilt back in 1997? I just don't see the point in revealing what transpired 12 years ago unless it's just an effort to sell his book. I've always been a fan of Agassi and his past meth use doesn't diminish what he accomplished IMO but I just don't see why he felt the need to bring something up that's going to make the ATP look awfully bad.
posted by BornIcon at 09:31 AM on October 28, 2009
unless it's just an effort to sell his book
You're unfamiliar with the concept of a memoir then?
why not admit his guilt back in 1997
Because there would have been negative repercussions at that time.
posted by yerfatma at 09:39 AM on October 28, 2009
I've always been a fan of Agassi and his past meth use doesn't diminish what he accomplished IMO but I just don't see why he felt the need to bring something up that's going to make the ATP look awfully bad.
Perhaps twelve years of growing up and not using meth gives one perspective on how stupid the whole thing was.
I don't see the problem; Agassi, now (presumably) sober sees his previous drug use as a problem and the ATP definitely did the wrong thing in covering it up. Bringing those things to light is both good for Agassi and good for the public; if it's bad for the ATP, it's because they acted unethically, not because they're being unfairly treated.
posted by dfleming at 10:31 AM on October 28, 2009
I'm just surprised it was meth. Why meth? Shouldn't he have been abusing cocaine like any other self-respecting pro athlete? Meth is for hillbillies.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 12:00 PM on October 28, 2009
Or just stick to everyone's favorite 'drug' of choice.
posted by BornIcon at 12:10 PM on October 28, 2009
What is the world coming to? I can understand why sports organizations as a rule are trying to prevent Performance Enhancing Drug use. But why care about Performance Reducing Drug use? Obviously certain drugs can make you go from number 1 to number 141 in a relatively short time.
Whatever happened to personal freedom?
I agree with Weedy and can't understand why a guy like Agassi would resort to such a hillbilly / trailer trash recreational drug. Why not use the good stuff, if you are going to risk you career for it? I'm just sayin....
posted by Atheist at 12:36 PM on October 28, 2009
Yep, around here meth use is most closely associated with sleeveless shirts, Trans Ams, and mullets.
At least Agassi had the hairdo right.
posted by THX-1138 at 02:09 PM on October 28, 2009
At least Agassi had the hairdo right
Looks like Agassi has a 5 day hair growth on his neck. Makes on wonder if Pau Gasol and David Beckham are taking cues from a young Agassi with their respective neck beards.
posted by BornIcon at 02:27 PM on October 28, 2009
I'm a little skeptical that this is really an autobiography. Rubicon?
posted by bperk at 03:16 PM on October 28, 2009
which -- probably not coincidentally -- was the year he fell to 141st in the world rankings
I use meth daily and have not slipped one position in the ATP world rankings.
posted by smithnyiu at 06:07 PM on October 28, 2009
I heard that it also makes your hair fall out.