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Andre Agassi Part 2

November 8, 2009 5:00 PM

Andre Agassi tells Katie Couric how he picked up his life and revived his career. He went from number 141 to the very top in the rankings, perhaps one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.

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by tonka21 November 22, 2009 5:17 PM EST
did he win any touraments during this time, i don't think so, even still tennis is a very physical sport, you couldn't do drugs & have them help you, they would only hurt your performance, so i don't agree that he should give up any titles. i don't condone his drug use, but i understand it, have a little compassion, we all have things were not proud of, at least he had the courage to come clean, he didn't have too.
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by SlamX November 19, 2009 5:44 PM EST
Andre made some very bad choices and it is admirable that he does great community work. One must keep in mind though that his super star status and wealth enabled him to climb out of the abyss. Had he been just a regular guy from the ghetto his behavior would have caused his demise. Andre darn right be greatful where you are and give more and more to those less FORTUNATE. I also believe if he really wants to atone he should give up the titles he won while abusing crystal meth. That would be a genuine gesture of humility.
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by sarahavaolivia November 16, 2009 3:07 PM EST
I think that this man is an inspiration. I don't appreciate the harsh judgment from his detractors, and am glad that he advised them to consider people through the lens of compassion. I also like that he never dissed Brooke Shields, but rather acknowledged that he wasn't ready for marriage at the time and had a lot of self-discovery before he could become a committed partner. That admission takes a lot of self-awareness. He's fallible, just like the rest of us. I didn't like it when Katie Couric was pressing the issue about how often he used meth. That "pushing the point" came off as insensitive, especially after he already acknowledged it was a big mistake and that he did it too many times.
My parents really pushed my brother and me into swimming; however, unlike Agassi, we didn't have any outstanding talent in the sport. I remember hating swimming, and to this day don't like it. That just teaches parents not to live through their children or to force them into activities they don't like. It's okay to encourage and expose them to different activities, obviously--just don't take it too far, like Agassi's father did.
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by libbieclu November 15, 2009 11:09 AM EST
It's amazing how our childhoods impact our adult lives. The younger the child, the greater the impact--for some, the greater the emotional toll. As one who has had to deal with such, I know of the enormous courage and self-strength necessary to overcome that impact. I applaud Mr. Aggassi for his openness and that courage. In his personal healing, he has gone beyond himself. Hats off to a very strong person and a extremely fine individual!
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by sam-kiley November 15, 2009 3:26 AM EST
bonjour katie couric
j'ai vu l'interview d'andré agassi, émouvante, il avait les larmes aux yeux c'était triste, je salue son courage pour avoir avouer, cela dit ce qu'il a fait est detestable,
ce qu'il est entrain d'accomplir aujourd'hui pour tous ces enfants est admirable, et en son honneur,je lui souhaite du succés..il $est et sera toujours le grand athléte, qui a fait révé des millions par son talent..je suis une admiratrice de monsieur agassi..admiratrice du superbe parcours qu'il a fait..bonne continuation
au revoir
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by marguritaspecial November 12, 2009 11:29 PM EST
First let me say I love Andre Agassi, He was always my favorite player until Rafa came along.I cannot believe all these self righteous people getting down on him. Andre wanted to come clean about his life , most people do not know how hard it is for a kid to be forced to do things for their parents own gratification. I was one of those kids to a much lesser extent.My mother decided I was going to become a famous pianist and because of her decision for me I hated it with a passion . The more she made me practice the more I hated it to this day and I am almost 60 years old . I did not take crystal meth however I did some things I am not proud of . Andre has a lot more to lose by disclosing his secrets however he showed guts and lots of courage to admit his past indiscretions . Andre lifted himself from the depths of despair to become a gentleman a loving husband and father and a mentor to hundreds of children so all you haters leave him alone and I wish you had the guts that he has to reveal all your dirty deeds .So Andre you go boy keep up the good work and I still love you wish we had more like you .
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by marguritaspecial November 12, 2009 11:29 PM EST
First let me say I love Andre Agassi, He was always my favorite player until Rafa came along.I cannot believe all these self righteous people getting down on him. Andre wanted to come clean about his life , most people do not know how hard it is for a kid to be forced to do things for their parents own gratification. I was one of those kids to a much lesser extent.My mother decided I was going to become a famous pianist and because of her decision for me I hated it with a passion . The more she made me practice the more I hated it to this day and I am almost 60 years old . I did not take crystal meth however I did some things I am not proud of . Andre has a lot more to lose by disclosing his secrets however he showed guts and lots of courage to admit his past indiscretions . Andre lifted himself from the depths of despair to become a gentleman a loving husband and father and a mentor to hundreds of children so all you haters leave him alone and I wish you had the guts that he has to reveal all your dirty deeds .So Andre you go boy keep up the good work and I still love you wish we had more like you .
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by deanfabian November 11, 2009 2:54 PM EST
I think Andre's story is one of hope, forgiveness, healing, grace and restoration. Truely motivational. It is encouraging to see how one person can tackle his adversity and come out on top. No one is perfect so we should not be quick to judge but be there to support and uplift them!!! Compassion people, Compassion!! Cant wait for his book to arrive in the mail. Would love to meet Andre personally and just to be there to listen and share in his personal experience of pain and the restoration that he has found. I find encouragement in his story. It shows that the human spirit can overcome any obsticle or adversity!!! Keep up the good work Andre!! You are changing lives.
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by tahoe2bay November 11, 2009 1:32 PM EST
Andre you are a SuperStar in every respect. I have the ultimate respect for you and your style. It was a blast watching you play at Harbor Point this Fall.
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by sourceentropy November 11, 2009 7:26 AM EST
Well, we have another fallen icon. I believe that it's unfortunate that Andre made the admissions in a book that would make him more money. I respect the man for outing himself for history but somehow I wish he done so in another way. This is clearly a conscience clearing attempt on his put and I have to give him props for it and move with his life.

Andre to me was always a talented player without the mental toughness to win big matches. He had reputation of choking and this explains some of it. While he did finally break through and win slams, most of the times it was against other players who were also chokers. Basically, these matches were decided on who chokes first looses.

I do admire his work in his foundation. And hope he continues his life in a way he can now be proud of. Certainly, the sport of tennis is filled with horror stories like this. Of players being pushed and abused by parents.

The drug thing certainly is half the fault of the ATP for accepting a ludicrous explanation. He should have been suspended immediately upon failing the test. But the ATP constantly turns a blind eye on the lives they destroy in the name of profits. I suspect that a majority of players live very unhappy lives. Hope more players and former players speak out about their experiences.
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by joanie1927 November 11, 2009 7:11 AM EST
Andre, you should be so proud of what you have accomplished - everything you have done has gotten you here - a wonderful place to be. I am particularly proud of what you do for children - you already have a fabulous legacy.
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by November 10, 2009 10:08 AM EST
I just watched the interview with Andre for the first time. I could completely relate to him. I also was caught and lied. A lie a recovering addict will live with them the rest of their life. What other people say about him is their opinion and they have a right to make them. But first before I would make them I would ask myself,"what have I done in my life that others would say is wrong, so do I have the right to judge them before I first judge myself." As Andre said maybe there are others out there that have done something that was really a plea for help. He has not just taking his millions and ran off and hide, he is giving back in a very big way so that maybe others won't make the same bad choices he made. Andre worked the program, he has made amends for the wrongs he has done. That take a big person do do that on a world stage. My heart goes out to him and my total support. He still has his life. My lie cost me the life of my wife because I did not do enough to help her when she was crying for help. I was only concerned about covering up what I had done, and not wanting anyone to know what I had done. I have now over 25 years clean and sober, and I still beat myself up for the mistakes I made. Her death was the hardest things I have ever went threw in my life. But I have learned to pick myself up and try and make a difference so that maybe others would have to go threw the same thing I did. My hope is that maybe someone will see his interview and get the much needed help they need. Andre I am a bigger fan of yours then I was before.
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by canadianbrownie November 10, 2009 9:07 AM EST
At 62 I have participated in almost every sport you can think of and
some at a very high level of competitiveness. But not tennis, why?
because I could tell how difficult it was! I have enjoyed watching the game for years and I enjoyed watching Andre. My respect for him as an athlete cannot be diminished by his story. I am also familiar
with drug addiction and please never compare me to Roger Clemens. Good
luck to Andre Agassi may he enjoy a long and healthy and happy life.
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by kkmSamba November 10, 2009 7:34 AM EST
I was a huge Agassi fan growing up and after watching this interview I am still a fan. It doesn?t matter if you earn 100 million in your life or 10,000 you are still human. People think that those with great talents and lots of money have it easy. That is perhaps one of the greatest myths in human history. I loved him for his radical image when I was a teen and now I love him for his honesty, love for his wife and willingness to giveback. Well Done Andre!
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by siggypoo November 9, 2009 11:19 PM EST
It was obvious that Navatralova's comments hit Andre pretty hard. I have a great respect for Martina as she is someone who provides an inspiration to many inside and outside the game of tennis. Thus, when she takes a swipe at someone like Agassi, it carries some weight. That said, I'm asking Martina to dig o a little deeper on this one.

When all is said and done, nobody can take away what this man has done for the game of tennis. Add to this, there are a lot of kids in Las Vegas that might be living completely different lives because of Mr. Agassi. When he turned his life around, he gave many, including me, an example that was needed. His book now gives us a look inside his life that really never became his own until late in life. Nothing against you Martina, but I think you should give him something that he richly deserves: a well-deserved break.

Jim Signorelli
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by matooskie November 9, 2009 11:00 PM EST
I always smile when I think that my 2 favorite tennis players of all time are married with children. Andre, there were times in your career that you got on my nerves during the "image is everything" era. You got a piece of my heart later on when you fought your way back. I can't wait to read the book & plan to get it this weekend. I will never forget your last match, the standing ovation that lasted forever, the look on Steffi's face, your speech & the tears that were flowing down my face. I did not want to say goodbye but thought you deserved it & deserved to go out on top of your game. More importantly, i admire what you have done off the court more than your tennis i think. I hope for nothing but the best for you & your family...When i was a little girl I thought noone would replace Borg in my tennis heart & then you came along...it took me awhile but you are there man...along with Steffi, THE GREATEST FEMALE TENNIS PLAYER OF ALL TIME IN MY BOOK! I wish for you continued joy & peace in life. Wish I could find some of that same peace in my life too! I never pick up a tennis racquet because of chronic plantar fasciitis & back problems...but i live through the players, & love to feel inspired by a dramatic match. Good luck old friend who does not know me. You are loved by many, many fans who would love to see you play again tomorrow!
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by rjrjcms November 9, 2009 7:43 PM EST
Andre, I have always loved you, mens tennis is my favorite sport to this day because of you. You should be proud of yourself and dont worry about what anyone else has to say. I had no idea about how much charity work you are invloved in escpeially for children, that is wonderful more people should be like you. Thanks for sharing such personal life experiences with the whole world, that took alot of guts.
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by theimr November 9, 2009 7:08 PM EST
I'm very surprised at the knee-jerk negative reactions to Agassi's honesty. He played tennis at an incredibly high level for years; he lived life struggling with an overbearing father and his own self-doubt; and now, with nothing to gain except self-respect, he tells the world. What could possibly be wrong with that? His story is one of redemption and it is inspiring. This is what heroism looks like. The contrast with Clemens could not be more obvious and I am quite struck that Martina would make such blanket statements. In fact, her lack of compassion makes me wonder whether she has ever looked inside herself with the same unflinching gaze that Agassi does here.

Andre, I hated you in the eighties when I thought you yourself had bought into the "image is everything" tagline you promoted. When you walked out on the court with your head shaved I saw a new man. You may have needed a few more stumbles to get out from under your father's shadow, but I respect you even more today than I did when you made it back to #1. Congratulations.
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by ewkendricks November 9, 2009 7:06 PM EST
Hmmm...my grammar-related post did not appear at the proper location, under the one by airjackie, to whom this was directed to! :(
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by tonyfish31 November 9, 2009 6:27 PM EST
Nice work Andre. Don't sweat all the negative comments. You cleaned your side of the street and that's all that matters
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