Tennis Great Andre Agassi Says Drugs Carry Harsh Truths
2009-11-15 1:51
His drug use, failed relationships, even his battle with hair loss- tennis champion Andre Agassi says no topic was off limits in his new autobiography called "Open".
At a book signing in New York, Agassi said he was touched by support he'd gotten from fans and tennis colleagues despite his unflattering admissions.
[Andre Agassi, Former Tennis Champion]:
"As far as anybody reaching out to me to directly tell me how disappointed they were, I didn't have any of that.. so.. maybe they don't have my number or something. I'm happy to discuss this with anybody."
In his book, the now 39-year-old tells of taking crystal meth in 1997- and how, when he failed a drug test, he lied about his use of the amphetamine. Agassi say he hopes his 2 children with wife Steffi Graff will learn from his mistakes.
[Andre Agassi, Former Tennis Champion]:
"The first thing I would do is have them read the book and then they would understand it's a horrifying drug. But beyond that, I think as a parent you have to deal with the harsh truths that drugs are a problem for many reasons, one of which is because they actually appear to offer you something. That's the trappings of it. So to not deal with the truth that drugs are enticing for very specific reasons, would be a crime."
Agassi fans who waited for hours to meet their tennis idol hardly seemed put off by his revelations.
[Unidentified Agassi Fan]:
"I really loved the book and I thanked him for writing such an honest piece of work, plus I read it in one sitting and he thought that was funny."
The eight-time grand slam winner retired from tennis in 2006.
