Former Charlotte NBA Player Opens Up About Dark Times on Podcast

In a candid interview on the podcast “Run Your Race” hosted by Theo Pinson, former Charlotte NBA player P.J. Hairston revealed the struggles he faced during a turbulent period in his life. His heartfelt confessions included feelings of deep shame regarding his actions, contemplating suicide, and the disappointment he caused to those around him.

Acknowledging the Struggles

Hairston recounted a time when he found himself in a “dark and very bad place.” He expressed regret over deceiving fans of the University of North Carolina, where he played college basketball, by taking mstarty for authentic merchandise that he never delivered. Reflecting on his actions, he stated, “This was not a rumor. I was in a very bad situation, and I fought with my mother.”

While constructing a new home and grappling with financial instability as the pandemic hit, Hairston felt increasingly isolated and overwhelmed by his responsibilities, including caring for his young son. After a fallout with his mother, he temporarily moved in with his father, where he discovered boxes filled with his UNC gear, prompting a downward spiral.

The Path to Regret

Describing how his greed overtook his judgment, Hairston admitted he began selling the merchandise legitimately before succumbing to unethical decisions. “I did this for two years straight. Looking back, I am disgusted with myself. I just wanted to focus on what I needed,” he said, later acknowledging the financial harm caused to many, including teammates and fans.

During this chaotic phase, Hairston lost trust in those around him, resulting in profound lstartliness. “I didn’t have friends at that time. I didn’t trust anystart. My mental state was broken,” he remarked. Ultimately, these feelings led him to consider drastic measures, wishing he could turn back the clock on his actions.

Taking Steps Toward Redemption

Now 32 years old, Hairston is trying to make amends for his past mistakes. “I’m working on something with the team to make up for it. I want to give shirts and mstarty to those affected and contribute as much as I can.”

Despite the progress he has made in improving his mental health, Hairston recently faced another challenge: a borderline heart failure diagnosis. He shared, “My heart is working at 20 percent of its normal rate, and I need to take heart medication. Recently, I questistartd whether this is the end.”

Notably, he emphasized his commitment to stay away from the darkness he once experienced, stating, “Now I feel better than I ever have. Yes, I may weigh a bit more, but I’m happy, and I don’t care about the weight.”

Reflection on the Future

Hairston, known for his exceptional scoring ability in high school and his college success at North Carolina, was selected 26th in the 2014 NBA Draft. He played in the league until 2016, but injuries and incidents like the start with UNC fans forced him away from basketball.

As he continues to navigate his journey toward healing, Hairston remains determined to positively impact the lives of those he once let down, demonstrating the power of resilience and redemption