If you watched basketball in the 90s, then you’re very well aware of who Vin Baker is. Or was. You see, there appears to be two different men.
The old Baker? 13-year NBA veteran who made four All-Star teams and around $100 million in salary before squandering it all on alcoholism and bad relationships.
The new 43-year-old Baker? Happy as a clam in Rhode Island, training to become a Starbucks manager.
“When you make choices and decisions and think that it will never end, and then you get into spending and addiction and more spending, it’s a definite formula for losing…. I would insist that you surround yourself with the person you trust the absolute most, someone who can tell you, ‘You’re wrong, don’t buy that, don’t go there, that person’s no good.’ I would also say be able to monitor every single dime that comes out of your accounts as if you’re a Starbucks barista. My check here I know exactly where my money goes. Don’t trust it with an accountant or a family friend. Make sure you’re aware and be responsible because next thing you know people are stealing from you.”
Baker is a minister as well and credits former Seattle Sonics owner and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz for his job opportunity at the coffee chain.
Baker also said in the PJ piece:
“I was an alcoholic, I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they’re like ‘Wow.’ For me, I’m 43 and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces. I’m a father. I’m a minister in my father’s church. I have to take the story and show that you can bounce back.”
Baker said he’s been sober four years.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
