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Sonics' Baker battles depression
Posted: Wednesday April 19, 2000 11:57 PM
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Vin Baker of the Seattle SuperSonics is receiving counseling for depression from the players' union but insists he does not have a drinking problem, The News Tribune of Tacoma reported Sunday. "The alcohol thing is way out the window," the star forward said. "I'm in a situation where I am fighting a lot of depression right now and coping with a lot of different things as far as on the court is concerned." Baker has been removed from the starting lineup because of a scoring slump, and that has been especially difficult. He also cites the stress of becoming a father. "I was sitting home; I was in tears; I was crying all day," he told the newspaper. Cliff Robinson and Dirk Minnifield, former players working for the players' union, have been counseling Baker the past few weeks. They have flown to Seattle and spent time with Baker and his father, James. Baker said he contacted Robinson and Minnifield and speaks to them about once a week. "It was a situation where I just needed somebody to talk to," the 28-year-old player said. Sonics coach Paul Westphal and general manager Wally Walker would not comment, citing terms of the collective-bargaining agreement. The News Tribune said the Sonics have tried to get Baker to seek professional help from a therapist. "At the end of the season, if we don't do as well in the playoffs as I thought we would, then maybe I will sit down," he said. "But I am not leaning toward that right now." Baker, who has seven-year, $87 million contract, began to struggle on the court in January. Since Jan. 26, his average has dropped from 17.9 to 16.7. Baker attributes his depression to a number of reasons. "I had a kid this year," said Baker, who is single. "A lot of it has been on the court, from last year." Baker said he was particularly upset when Westphal benched him after a slump that had lasted several weeks. "It was hard to walk on the floor that day, going to the gym knowing I was not going to start," Baker told the newspaper. "And then when I got in the game, I know how talented I am; I know I am better than most people on the floor. But it's hard knowing you have to go out there under pressure and prove yourself." Baker believes he is a good person at heart. "I don't do a lot of bad stuff off the floor," he said. "I don't do drugs; I don't do alcohol heavily; I am just a guy who wants people to like me." And he hasn't given up hope. "I want to do well in the playoffs," he said. "I am an optimist. You know that I still think a lot of good can come out of this season."
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