Recently, Kim Brown from Cross Hope Treatment Centers in Pine Bluff and former Dallas Cowboy player, Quincy Carter spoke with offenders at the Pine Bluff Community Supervision Office. They offered a message of hope and encouragement to those in attendance.
Mr. Carter shared with the group his ‘fame to shame’ because of his addiction to drugs. He spoke about how he started his career with the Dallas Cowboys, and how his career ended with the use of marijuana that lead to using other drugs. He was placed on probation and thought he could beat the system because of his name.
Mr. Carter spoke about how those assigned to his case (including his probation officer) never held him accountable for his actions until he received a charge of domestic violence. He told offenders that he was sentenced to jail for 3 months, and while he was incarcerated, he began to see a change in his life. Before being release, he received documentation from the NFL that said he will received a big sum of money due to the NFL’s Concussion Clause. He stated that he was happy because he thought the money meant he could have a better life. Once he received the money and got out of jail, he returned to South Texas, and that’s when his life changed again. He return to his old habits of using illegal substances. He said with 3 months, he had spent over $135,000 on drugs and partying, and within 8 months, he was broke once again. Mr. Carter said he was so mad because he never bought a home or a car, just drugs and partying.
Mr. Carter went on to say he was living in an extended hotel barely getting by until he got a call from his sponsor. The sponsor told Mr. Carter that he was about to come get him and take him to a rehab facility in Houston Texas. He recalled at that point he fell to his knees and began calling on God and thanking Him giving him another chance. Mr. Carter said that’s when his life really changed. Mr. Carter told the group that without God, he wouldn’t be here today. He stated that it’s a struggle for him daily but God helps him during the struggles.
Mr. Carter also told the group to stop blaming their officers, counselors, family members and friends for the situation they are in. He even said that he use to blame Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys owner), Emmitt Smith (former Dallas Cowboys teammate) and everyone else in his life because of his failed career and drug addictions. He said that until they look in the mirror and take accountability for their actions, that they will never really change.
Kim Brown shared about her battle with addiction with the group as well. She said that she has been cleaned and sober for over 24 years. She spoke about how addiction played a role in her relationship with her now ex-husband. She would purposely start fights in the relationship so he could go buy drugs just to stop the fighting. She said her addiction started with marijuana, but that then opened the door to other drugs. She would always made excuses saying, “Marijuana is an herb, God planted here to be used.” She said what changed her life is when her teenage daughter started smoking marijuana. She knew then it was time for change, and she hasn’t used since. 24 years later, she still has a sponsor to help with remaining clean and sober.
Both guest speakers were very inspirational to the offenders. Before leaving, they provided offenders with resources they can use to aide them on their journey to sober living.
Below is an article on Mr. Carter about his struggles with drug addiction.
