Popular Searches:

  1. Texans
  2. Robin Soderling
  3. Dwight Howard
  4. Toby Gerhart
  5. Bucks

Agassi pleads for compassion on ’60 Minutes’

Nov 5, 5:13 pm EST

NEW YORK (AP)—Andre Agassi responded to criticism of his crystal meth use with a plea for compassion, telling “60 Minutes” he needed help when he took the drug while depressed in 1997.

Discussing his new autobiography, Agassi became emotional when reacting to comments by Martina Navratilova, who compared him to Roger Clemens.

“It’s what you don’t want to hear,” Agassi told interviewer Katie Couric. “I would hope along with that would come some compassion that maybe this person doesn’t need condemnation. Maybe this person could stand a little help. Because that was at a time in my life when I needed help.

“I had a problem, and there might be many other athletes out there that test positive for recreational drugs that have a problem. So I would ask for some compassion.”

CBS released excerpts from the interview Thursday and will broadcast it Sunday night.

In his book “Open,” which goes on sale Monday, the eight-time Grand Slam champion says he used crystal meth in 1997 and failed a drug test—a result he says was thrown out after he lied by saying he unwittingly took the substance.

In an interview last week with The Associated Press, Navratilova said she was shocked Agassi lied about the drug use. She compared him to Clemens, who repeatedly has denied using performance-enhancing drugs, countering claims by his former personal trainer.

Agassi told “60 Minutes” he has no regrets about his disclosures.

“I had way more to lose by telling this story in its full transparency than I had to gain,” he said. “The part that I worry and think more about is who this may help.”

Updated Nov 5, 5:13 pm EST
digg del.icio.us
more
Tennis

113 Comments

Post a Comment
  1. Todd T
    113. Posted by Todd T Sat Nov 7 1:22am EST

    Report Abuse

    Who the @#$% is Martina to say anything at all about using drugs? That idiot took massive quantities of steroids in the seventies and should have been kicked off the women's tour. Let's see, in 1976 I'm a fat ass from Eastern Europe and in 1977 I have 2% body fat, can bench 225 pounds and have a mustache. Please Martina, go munch your girlfriend's box and shut the @#$% up. You have no class and we hate you.
  2. None
    112. Posted by None Fri Nov 6 2:50pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Master Controller, you are a spiteful, bitter douche. You don't know anything about the Agassis other than what you read in the "press" and are eager to spew your foul sludge. Get some psychiatric help.
  3. Master Controller
    111. Posted by Master Controller Fri Nov 6 2:06pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Yes, we all have a dark side, but Bag O'Gassi is proud enough of his to write about it. His ego is unbelievaqble and he is still on drugs if he thinks he deserves compassion. By the way, explain how a tell all book will help others with drug problems? He has millions of dollars to spend on coaches, trainers, doctors and psychiatrists. Not to mention a parent who cared enough about him to teach him the game of tennis. What does he have in common with a street addict? As for his foundation, yes it is wonderful to help children learn, but i suspect the perrcentage of income he gives to charity is probably not that different than the percentage most regular folks give to charities. So lets not turn Bag O'Gassi into Mother Teresa. By the way, his game ruined tennis. It pretty much turned the sport into a boring baseline game of attrition.
  4. Sergio
    110. Posted by Sergio Fri Nov 6 1:08pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Of course he is and Idol, a role model for youger generations, a Champion. But most important a drug addict.
    Since when being a drug addict becomes a mistake? also meth addicts normally do not recover after years of addiction and I do not believe he just stopped doing drugs because his carrer was emerging again. If he really wants to be honest he has to tell people when he really stopped doing meth. Many people is not questioning what he has done with his money helping children, people is questioning why he had to do it to sell a book and why now? why not years ago? Money? Fame?...
    People just remember
    Yannina just got banned.
    Coria got banned
    Zabaleta got banned
    Gasquet got banned
    Hingis got banned.
    Agassi got compassion, a lot of money, fame....? What a role model for children.
  5. AlexK
    109. Posted by AlexK Fri Nov 6 12:52pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Good strategy to sell the book. Very smart, Andre.
  6. Kristoffer P
    108. Posted by Kristoffer P Fri Nov 6 10:58am EST

    Report Abuse

    If his story keeps one child from doing drugs as an escape hey I'm all for it. I don't know any one who has not made a mistake. Here's the thing. He is a great man and a great champion, His laying about his drug useage when he was tested as terrible. What is even worse is the governing bodies of Tennis bought it!
  7. Gastonoid
    107. Posted by Gastonoid Fri Nov 6 10:56am EST

    Report Abuse

    Good Lord, how can Martina Navratalova criticize Agassi? I'm certain she has eaten things that have to be far worse for your system. At least he got over his kink. And, by the way, if the USPTA had any kahunas at all, there would be no stadium named for brother Navratalova. It would be named for a real tennis player who had some serious competition: Sampras, McEnroe, Connors, Agassi. Instead they name one stadium after her and another after Louis Armstrong. Didn't know he played tennis. Maybe it's the use of the mouth that turns the USPTA on. Maybe that's also why Serena Williams is still not hung out to dry.
  8. scion
    106. Posted by scion Fri Nov 6 10:47am EST

    Report Abuse

    it's funny how quickly people attack agassi for his past missteps... how absurd people talk like they are some sort of a saint, when in fact all of us have a dark side that 90% of us could never admit to...sure agassi was not a man of the cloth, but neither are all you. the man was young, arrogant at that time who made a mistake, just like the rest of us... turns his life around, dedicate himself to fitness, even returning to the amateur circuit just to strengthen his tennis foundations, surrounded himself with professional coaches/trainers, and comes back to the professional tournaments with a new passion in life. because of all the hard work and dedication, he returned to become one of the best tennis player in the world... and through it all, with all the trails and tribulations, he shares his intimate story with us hoping that someone who is going through similar circumstances will realize that it's never too late to turn anyone's life around.
  9. Master Controller
    105. Posted by Master Controller Fri Nov 6 10:06am EST

    Report Abuse

    Bag O’Gassy has never been a handsome guy. But he looks awful on TV and on the cover of his new book. I wouldn’t be surprise if he is still using drugs to sustain himself. He doesn’t seem to have any self control or any mechanism other than his own (weak) will to guide him and somehow this book is going to help others? He has thrown his parents, his career and his family under the bus. What good could such revelations come to other than to make the almighty dollar and put him back in the spotlight he so desperately covets? Divorce is coming next. Who could live with such a self absorbed personality? Perhaps, greedy Steffi, who has father issues too, encouraged him. The next book is already in the making.
  10. Daniel W
    104. Posted by Daniel W Fri Nov 6 8:47am EST

    Report Abuse

    I am a retired police officer who enjoys the sport of tennis. Mr. Agassi is no differant than any other person from that time. It seemed like half the country was playing around with drugs. usage of drugs and alcohol is an illness and should be treated as such. We feel sorry for those who contract cancer, or any other ilness, so why not drug abuse. It's far easier to point a finger at someone and say he or she is a bad person then it is to reach out your hand and help. Why is that? We all need to start helping our people who stuble and fall along the way of life instead of kicking them when they are down. I was a very critical person years ago about people who used and sold drugs, but after I started to see the many reasons why people turn to drugs I knew I had to soften my stance on the issue. most people who use drugs are running away from something they cant deal with. the more they run the more they use. We need to help these people not slap them around. Mr. Agassi, I as a person forgive you for what you did. I admire you for coming out about your problem. I am greatfull to you for your contribution to the sport of tennis, and all the good things you have done for children. Just remember if your father in heaven can forgive you,I can do no less.
  11. Polo
    103. Posted by Polo Fri Nov 6 7:36am EST

    Report Abuse

    Agassi used crystal meth because he was depressed. OK. Not a smart move but I can understand. Then he gets caught. Then he lied. Then he wins a lot of tournaments and speaks about how much he loves tennis and what tennis has done for him. Then many years later, he writes a book saying he hated tennis. Too many lies. That shows you the character of this man. He is a cheat. He admits to his faults when he feels it is now safe to do it. He cannot be sanctioned by ATP anymore. His titles and the money he earned could not be taken anymore. He has done charitable work. He has a book that needs some interesting anecdotes. He lives in a country now obsessed with celebrity and condones everything their idols do, good or bad. If he admits faults, he will be hailed as a brave man for doing so. Very safe to come out now. He lies and does not admit to it when punishment would definitely be forthcoming. What he is is a man of questionable character.
  12. Polo
    102. Posted by Polo Fri Nov 6 7:18am EST

    Report Abuse

    Agassi is probably still using recreational drugs. I have lost respect for him. There are many ways to come out clean. He can tell that in private to the people he loves like to his wife Steffi. He did not have to broadcast it to the whole world. He does not need the compassion of the whole world who does not live with him. What counts the most is what your loved ones feel about you. Does he not think that his wife would not get hurt by this? Would Steffi not feel bad when people say negative things to Agassi because of this revelation. A lot of people are so easy to forgive nowadays. They always consider those who admit to their errant ways to be brave and hail them as heroes. I think these people who err know that and that is why they just do whatever they want to do because they can admit to it later on and everybody will forget them and they will come out looking even better. When one does something bad, some retribution should happen. Then maybe these celebrities will curtail their bad behavior.
  13. dan
    101. Posted by dan Fri Nov 6 4:56am EST

    Report Abuse

    there are things in life you need to carry to your grave especially for people we really admire. obama talk about marijuana in college. but that is only to himself and most college student has that one or two tries on smoking pot just for fun. but agassi is an athlete. a tennis champ with year round competition and member of the tennis association. he betrays his fellow tennis players and cast doubt now on his other tennis championship because of this admission. navratilova is right, what if his one championship, he is high on crystal meth. lots of what ifs now lingering in the mind of the tennis fans and players. agassi sacrifice his future and legacy just to sell a book.
  14. Peter L
    100. Posted by Peter L Fri Nov 6 4:18am EST

    Report Abuse

    Agassi, you have my compassion! You were lost but you have found the right path. As the African-Americans would sing "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I was once was lost but now I am found. Was blind but now I see."

    I am reminded of the story of the Prodigal Son who came home to his father after realizing the bad decsion he has made. His father put a ring on him, butchered the oxens and had a feast. When his brother complained about the good treatment, his father said, "He was lost but now he is back. Let us rejoice!"
  15. Steve N
    99. Posted by Steve N Fri Nov 6 4:17am EST

    Report Abuse

    Also, Agassi states that he took the drug for a short period of time. Agassi was already a great and talented athlete before using the drug. Agassi became a better athlete later on, but was not taking the drugs at those times.
  16. Steve N
    98. Posted by Steve N Fri Nov 6 4:09am EST

    Report Abuse

    I think people would have more compasion if he told the story outside of the book. Because the book equates to profit and money. I think Agassi isn't a greedy person, but I think he made a mistake by coming out this way. Either way, I respect him for the athlete that he is and for the person that he became. Not everyone is an angel. You live and you learn. He has helped many underpriviledge children through his school in Las Vegas. Lets not forget that. He definitely deserved my compassion.
  17. Sampras
    97. Posted by Sampras Fri Nov 6 2:28am EST

    Report Abuse

    NO compassion! bwahahaha!!
    hehe
  18. Truthsayer
    96. Posted by Truthsayer Fri Nov 6 2:20am EST

    Report Abuse

    Boy howdy, Andre is making the rounds.........
  19. johnp
    95. Posted by johnp Fri Nov 6 2:11am EST

    Report Abuse

    Anon(94)...I agree...but please, enough talk about "hand jive". :)
  20. anon
    94. Posted by anon Fri Nov 6 1:22am EST

    Report Abuse

    Next it will come out that Federer used to masturbate three times a day before he met Mirka and he'll be vilified for that. "How dare you ruin the purity of the sport, you pervert! Sicko! Pray to God for forgiveness or may he smite you!" Tennis fans seem to be as pompous, arrogant, and self-righteous as they come. Most people have done some bad things in their life, and if they haven't then more often than not it's because they weren't popular enough to be offered any drugs to take.
  21. johnp
    93. Posted by johnp Thu Nov 5 11:32pm EST

    Report Abuse

    A PARTIAL LIST OF UNFORGIVEABLE ITEMS..OR MAYBE FORGIVEABLE?

    A clerk at the grocery store gave me too much change, I did not return it

    I find items from my job at home and do not take them back

    I lied to my spouse, but it was just to keep the peace

    I used to do drugs but don't anymore

    I assisted a friend in buying drugs

    I used to drink but don't anymore

    I had pre-marital sex, it was OK because I wasn't married

    I had extra-marital sex but their was no "relationship" involved; I still love my spouse

    I drink and drive but I've never hurt anyone

    I throw food away

    I enjoy porn, but not on pay sites

    I overeat

    I give clothes to the poor, but not my good stuff

    I punched a street person who asked me for change because he smelled and got too close

    I will buy a $60.00 bottle of colonge and put $6.00 in church

    Music that praises God bores me

    I do not visit sick people in the hospital

    I cheat on my income tax but not that much

    I look at TV every day and pray every other week

    I can't wait to get home from church to see the game. Hope the sermon is short

    Sermons make me sleepy, when they are over, I have newfound energy

    When an envelope comes from Save the Children, I throw it away because it's junk mail

    Africans are uncivilized

    White men can't jump

    I'm at work 8 hours a day and work 4

    I only do things at my convenience and only if I have to

    I don't like people telling me what to do
  22. johnp
    92. Posted by johnp Thu Nov 5 11:29pm EST

    Report Abuse

    Leeland(91)...If you have a large hand and some energy left, can you do me?
  23. leeland
    91. Posted by leeland Thu Nov 5 11:10pm EST

    Report Abuse

    I just played with myself!
  24. 0n0
    90. Posted by 0n0 Thu Nov 5 10:16pm EST

    Report Abuse

    it's not like crystal meth gave him any sort of advantage. it's an illegal drug, not a performance enhancing drug. nobody is perfect. i think it's a compelling story to see someone make a STUPID decision, but basically recover and become a better person as a result. yeah, he broke a rule and lied about it and got away with it - but i think he has more than made up for his mistake(s) in his lifetime.
    I was more amazed that he had a mullet for a wig. Talk about unforgivable....
  25. 0n0
    89. Posted by 0n0 Thu Nov 5 10:13pm EST

    Report Abuse

    it's not like crystal meth gave him any sort of advantage. it's an illegal drug, not a performance enhancing drug. nobody is perfect. i think it's a compelling story to see someone make a STUPID decision, but basically recover and become a better person as a result. yeah, he broke a rule and lied about it and got away with it - but i think he has more than made up for his mistake(s) in his lifetime.
    I was more amazed that he had a mullet for a wig. Talk about unforgivable....
Sign in to post a comment, or sign up for a free account

YAHOO! CANADA SPORTS

ALSO ON YAHOO! CANADA

THINGS YOU CAN DO

- Site Map

Copyright © 2009 2009 STATS LLC and The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the STATS/AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of STATS LLC and The Associated Press.