Gillispie has big supporter in Eustachy
Posted: Monday, September 14, 2009 7:02 PM
Filed Under:
Coaches, Rants
It seems that most of the snickers surrounding Billy Gillispie’s DUI on Aug. 27 have died down, which is good to see. Kicking a guy when he’s hit rock bottom stinks.
Just ask Larry Eustachy.
David J. Phillip/AP |
Billy Gillispie
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The one-time national coach of the year spoke to Gary Parrish about alcohol addiction and what it’s like to try and rebound from those demons. Give it a read. Eustachy is frank about his own past and is fairly blunt about people who have disparaged Gillispie.
"I can't speak for Billy or about his situation, but I can tell you that alcoholism is recognized as a disease, and believe me, it's a disease," Eustachy said by phone while on the road recruiting. "I've been to enough 12-step meetings and spoken enough to know that Robert Downey Jr. has a very serious disease just like I have a very serious disease. It is a disease, and it is progressive. And once you realize that, it's not funny. It's not a joke, and the people who joke about him have no clue."
Eustachy paused and thought for a moment.
"I mean, would you laugh at somebody who is battling cancer?" he asked. "Because that's what it is. It's a disease. And I know people will read this and say, 'That Eustachy is so full of sh--.' But it really is a disease. So why would you make fun of somebody with a disease? Why would you make jokes about it? I mean, I understand why, and I don't get angry about it, because I understand. But alcoholism is a disease. And I know what he's facing, and it's not funny."
He’s right, alcoholism isn’t funny. It can lead to foolish decisions that people may regret the rest of their lives. Gillispie sounds sincere about his rehab, which may help the guy get back into coaching.
Good luck, Billy. You’ll need it.
