Celtics player advises kids to dribble past drugs

Boston Celtics forward Bill Walker said his cousin had much more talent on the basketball court than he did.

But Walker said his cousin's potential on the hardwood was derailed by bad behavior.

"He chose to smoke marijuana and drink every day," Walker said.

Because Walker said he was able to avoid the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol, he and his cousin followed very divergent paths.

"He's not doing anything with his life now and I'm basically living my dream," he said.

Walker was part of a panel discussion held yesterday at Bentley University talking about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, while also warning teenagers about the dangers of drug use.

The event was sponsored by the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, Children's Hospital of Boston and Athletic Evolution.

Joining Walker on the panel were Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone, John Knight, a doctor at Children's Hospital in Boston, and Erik Kaloyanides, president of strength and conditioning company Athletic Evolution.

Yesterday's event was open to fans who purchased a Boston Celtics license plate. The plates cost $40 with all of the proceeds going toward Children's Hospital.

Knight, director of the center for adolescent substance abuse research at Children's Hospital, said use of some drugs among teens is not as widespread as many have been led to believe, but that perception could still lead some to follow that path.

"The problem is, young people who believe everyone is doing it, are more likely to engage in that behavior themselves," Knight said.

Leone said that drug abuse among youth is on the uptick because drugs are becoming cheaper and easier to obtain.

"It's getting worse because drugs are more prevalent and there are drugs like Oxycontin and heroin that kids are using," Leone said.

Leone encouraged parents and their children to talk to each other so that kids will be less likely to use drugs.

Richard Conn can be reached at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com.