Healthy Mind Event Provides Support

The Healthy Mind and Emotions seminar, presented by Fort Peck Tribal Health, featured encouraging words from former NBA player Darnell Jackson in Poplar on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Jackson, who played in the NBA for four years and overseas for 11 more years, talked about the importance of being prepared mentally and being committed to a positive lifestyle.

He explained that he was addicted to alcohol during his rookie season because he didn’t understand how to be a professional and what dedication that job requires. Jackson said it came down to a choice of either drinking and ruining his chance in the NBA or to quit drinking.

“I wanted to show everybody that I belonged in the league,” Jackson said. “I didn’t want to come to practice smelling like alcohol.”

Jackson, who was a starter for the University of Kansas’ national title team of 2008, stressed to students that there are people that they can count on.

“Don’t take your time and loved ones for granted,” he said.

He explained that being a college student was also an educational process for him. As a freshman, he wasn’t attending classes and was in danger of being kicked out of school. His coach told him that he needed to pass 18 hours to be eligible or he needed to attend a junior college.

Jackson took the right path and became a key player in the Jayhawks’ title run as a senior.

“It was me letting people down who had helped me,” Jackson said of his choice. “My biggest fear is letting those people down.”