need to add title here

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.

Recent Segments
Scroll Left Scroll Right
Add a Comment See all 43 Comments
by samosoz November 26, 2009 12:39 AM EST
I loved you on the court and love you even more now. It's not that we fall - or how we
fall (and we all do) that matters. It's how we get up. And you my dear have arisen
through life's challenges with integrity, grace, courage and strength.

It's not even about falling down - that in itself is just perception. You - as we all do
- have felt the harshness of this world and you made choices. And all that those choices
reflected at that time was that you didn't see what we saw - you didn't see how
beautiful and special you are. As that perception shifted - so did your choices - to new
choices that honoured you as the gift that you are.

The courage you have demonstrated - not only in just living your life and in overcoming -
but now being totally honest and facing the fear based perceptions of others - is a power so
great Andre. Don't take on the ignorance of others. Their judgement is their intolerance
of themselves. It's not about you. Their projections show up who they are and where
they're at. Perhaps you've done what they have feared to do - to be radically honest
with self - and to take the darkness of this world and use it to become an even brighter
light - creating profound change not only in your life but in the lives of so many others.
You are phenomenal.

You asked for compassion - my God you not only do you have that - you have our respect, our
admiration, our awe and our total love.

What a brilliant light you are......keep shining.....our world needs you Andre.
Reply to this comment
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.
Reply to this comment
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.
Reply to this comment
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.
Reply to this comment
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!
Reply to this comment
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
Reply to this comment
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 .
Reply to this comment
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 .
Reply to this comment
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.
Reply to this comment
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.
Reply to this comment
See all 43 Comments
  • Web Extra: Watching His Back Web Extra: Watching His Back

    1:16 December 6, 2009

  • The Great Explorer, Part 2 The Great Explorer, Part 2

    9:21 November 29, 2009

  • James Cameron's Avatar James Cameron's Avatar

    12:43 November 22, 2009

  • Web Extra: A Defining Moment? Web Extra: A Defining Moment?

    1:14 November 22, 2009

  • Web Extra: Target Audience? Web Extra: Target Audience?

    1:29 November 22, 2009

  • Web Extra: His High-Tech Cave Web Extra: His High-Tech Cave

    1:48 November 22, 2009