Agassi asks for compassion for drug use

Reuters - November 6, 2009 9:54 AM PST

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Andre Agassi, mired in controversy after admitting to using crystal meth, pleaded for compassion from his critics in a television interview that will be broadcast on Sunday in the United States.

During the 60 Minutes interview, excerpts of which were made public on Thursday, Agassi discussed his explosive autobiography "Open" in which he admitted to using the recreational drug and his battles with depression.

At one point, the former world number one becomes emotional after being asked to respond to criticism from Martina Navratilova, who compared him to baseball pitcher Roger Clemens, who is battling doping allegations.

"Yeah it's what you don't want to hear," Agassi told interviewer Katie Couric. "I would hope along with that would come some compassion that maybe this person doesn't need condemnation. Maybe this person could stand a little help.

"Because that was at a time in my life when I needed help."

In the book Agassi candidly describes being introduced to the drug in 1997 and the moment when he was informed he had failed a drugs test. He later lied to men's governing body the ATP about his use and escaped a ban.

Despite the bitter backlash, Agassi said he has no regrets about disclosing his drug use, even if it eventually ends up costing him a place in the Tennis Hall of Fame.

"I don't know what the ramifications are. I had way more to lose by telling this story in its full transparency than I had to gain," Agassi told Couric.

"The price that that comes with is the cost that I've assumed and I'm okay because the part that I worry and think more about is who this may help."

(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto; editing by Greg Stutchbury)

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  • Lindsay
    I found a great dating site________ R i c h K i s s i n g. C O M ________. The best dating club for seeking the rich singles, sexy beauties. what's the most important is that you don't have to be a millionaire, but you can meet one. Charlie Sheen found his true love on that site in 2007.
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 11:59 AM PST
  • Lindsay
    I found a great dating site________ R i c h K i s s i n g. C O M ________. The best dating club for seeking the rich singles, sexy beauties. what's the most important is that you don't have to be a millionaire, but you can meet one. Charlie Sheen found his true love on that site in 2007.
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 11:59 AM PST
  • Lindsay
    I found a great dating site________ R i c h K i s s i n g. C O M ________. The best dating club for seeking the rich singles, sexy beauties. what's the most important is that you don't have to be a millionaire, but you can meet one. Charlie Sheen found his true love on that site in 2007.
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 11:59 AM PST
  • countrywoman221
    Michelle C needs to get a LIFE!! You must have never had to deal with hardship or addiction. Have a little compassion!
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 11:05 AM PST
  • countrywoman221
    Always loved you!! Hope you can weather the storm! He had such compassion when his sister was sick. One request--- grow back the long hair, too cute!
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 11:03 AM PST
  • amyd
    Addiction is a horrible battle and although it is hard to find compassion for those caught up in it, you shouldnt judge if you yourself have not been through the struggle and pain addiction can bring, because if you have you would then know what a horrible experience it ends up being, one that can become out of control in a heartbeat. You have my support Agassi! Thanks for being honest!
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 10:57 AM PST
  • awchew
    Martina had/has her own issues, who is she to say anything. Agassi should have shut up! Guess it sells books
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 10:35 AM PST
  • Michelle C
    NO compassion for drug abuse, if you can afford the drugs, you can afford a therapist. Sick to death of whining celebrities acting like they have it so damn bad! Try living in the REAL world for awhile and see how far you get!
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 10:18 AM PST
  • Brown Lobster
    No different than 95 % of athletes including our Gold Medal Swimmer.. Big difference here is that HE'S BEING HONEST....
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 10:10 AM PST

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