A judge ruled that former NBA star Antoine Walker must stand trial over unpaid gambling debts. Walker owed nearly $1 million to three different casinos. In Las Vegas, unpaid markers to casinos are treated like bad checks, so Walker could face significant prison time for his alleged activities. Walker has earned over $100 million dollars in his NBA career, but is now reportedly broke, declaring bankruptcy last year.

Monday, Walker appeared before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Melanie Andress-Tobiasson. Walker, who won an NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2006, remains free without bail until June 30, when he will be arraigned in state court. The judge expressed concern that Walker had not made progress on repaying $770,000 that he still owes on a promise to pay $905,050 in restitution, court fees and penalties. If he is convicted, Walker could face 12 years in prison.

I've written about Antoine Walker in the past, and I've made no secret about the fact that I knew Antoine when we were both students at The University of Kentucky. I am incredibly sad to see him hit rock bottom in this way, and I wish he and his family the best. What is also true is that I have to be honest and admit that what I saw in Walker is something I see in quite a few black male athletes, who sometimes forget that succeeding on the court does not preclude the need to make good decisions off the court.

Just today, NFL star Vince Young was cited in a strip club incident, and I consistently find myself wondering when we are going to get past the era of the irresponsible black male athlete. I am not one to disrespect either Young or Walker, but if you were to be honest with yourself, you would admit that you've heard these stories time and time again. A note to young brothers out there: If you are going to succeed on the court, make sure you succeed in the classroom. Making good decisions on the field means you must be especially committed to making good decisions in life.

If I am not mistaken, neither Walker nor Young finished their college degrees, possibly thinking that a life of athletic brilliance supersedes the value of an education. Let's start spreading the message now: One is not a replacement for the other. I wish Antoine Walker the best.


Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the Athlete Liberation and Academic Reform Movement (ALARM). To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.