Mike Gminski: From NBA Fame to Sobriety and Beyond
I just think that people may be shocked that I'm as open and transparent as I am, and I don't do it for any other reason than to, you know, there's no cookie cutter for this, and you know you have your journey, I have mine.
Ever wondered how a former NBA star copes when life throws unexpected punches? Mike Gminski, the seventh pick in the 1980 NBA Draft, takes you through his rollercoaster journey in this episode of 'The Payoff with Pete'. Known for his impressive career at Duke and a solid 14-year run in the NBA, Gminski seemed to have it all. But behind the scenes, he faced personal challenges that led him down a dark path of alcohol and drug abuse.
By July 2020, he was consuming a fifth of vodka daily and using Xanax to manage panic attacks. His turning point came when his son and ex-wife drove him to Florida's Rebound Institute, run by former teammate Jayson Williams. There, Gminski learned to reclaim his life and sobriety. Now, he shares his story with Pete Sousa, discussing not only his battle with addiction but also his colorful NBA career and current role as a TV analyst.
Broadcasting from Rebound, where he's now employed, Gminski reflects on nearly losing his life and how he's living his best days today. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone touched by addiction or seeking inspiration for recovery.