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 This book is not, as many think, his “coming out book” or a polemic on why gay sports figures should come out. It is a wonderfully honest story of John’s first thirty-six years of life and his goals and dreams during it. He tells of his “Eleven Rung Plan” for a successful life. It has obviously worked for him: He has set his goals and achieved them. Amaechi has tried to share his Plan with others through his work with youth groups, the under-privileged, and through his company, Animus Consulting.
He has certainly had an interesting and varied life, born in Massachusetts of an English mother and a Nigerian father, then growing up in England. He was raised by his mother, and later in life moved back to the United States to pursue his basketball career. This is a fascinating account of one man’s goal and the road he traveled to achieve it. Envy Man caught up with John during his whirlwind fifteen-city book tour and he was gracious enough to answer our questions. Envy Man: John, you were a real nerd growing up. Are you still?
John: Yes—definitely a nerd. I’m more into computers than I should be. I still like science fiction and I still watch Star Trek. EM: What was your appeal for science fiction?
JA: To escape. In the books were heroes. I could imagine myself as the heroes when I was growing up and identifying with them. EM: Do you think your being so intelligent intimidated other players or coaches?
JA: I’m not that intelligent. Coaches had a problem because... I thought. I think. EM: Are basketball players, in general, very smart?
JA: I think they are on the normal curve. The bell curve, if you will. Some are incredibly intelligent, some are dumber than dirt. But most fall right in the middle. EM: How do feel about basketball players getting “free rides” through college because of their athletic abilities?
JA: I think it’s exploitation of the highest order—exploitation of the student. It is the responsibility of the organizations, universities, to account to a stringent philosophy. Teenagers want to take the easy way out. The universities need to see that the students get their education. EM: What about those athletes who never “make it,” so to speak? What happens to them when they aren’t educated enough and can’t make it on their athletic abilities?
JA: I know of and have met some. Some of these people live handto- mouth. It’s a real tragedy. Penn State insists on educating the student. College should be like parents. EM: What do you feel should be done to improve our education system?
JA: I don’t feel a radical change should be made. More effort needs to be put into teaching and teachers in high school, college, etc. EM: Your book isn’t really about coming out. It’s about finding your “soul in the dark,” as you say, and about becoming the best human being you can be, right?
JA: Yes. It’s about the most enjoyable place you can achieve— getting to your goals. EM: How many other players have you encountered who had similar thoughts or goals?
JA: It’s hard to say. I don’t think I have a unique life experience. I hope others feel as I do. EM: Is your goal with your book to inspire other athletes, currently successful or up-and-coming, to rethink their goals and lives?
JA: No. It’s not a sports book or a gay book. It’s for everyone to help inspire and to achieve their goals. EM How successful do you feel you’ve been with your Plan?
JA: I’ve done everything I’ve said I’d do so far—the mark of a good plan. I wrote in a yearbook I would be in the NBA. And I was. EM: If I were to excise one chapter from your book, would it be the “Soul In The Dark” chapter?
JA: No. There is interplay between all of them. EM: Was it cathartic writing your book?
JA: Not particularly. It was lovely to reminisce. Some of it was sad. EM: In your book you didn’t go into friends you had made on your various teams, until Houston. Were there any others? Have they kept in contact?
JA: I hope they will. In Cleveland the players were very benevolent. In Orlando, they were like lightening in the bottle. In Utah, the coaches not so much, but my teammates were very good people. I’ve met some great friends as well as teammates. EM: Were there any authors that inspired your writing?
JA: Quite a few. Well, not really influenced. I read a lot of different authors. Many of them are quite dark, like John Donne. I hoped my book would be more uplifting. I want to write more. EM: Are you working on another book?
JA: Yes... more of a book that explores the Eleven Rungs and how to improve yourself. EM: Do you have a boyfriend now?
JA: Nope. EM: Last question, John. In your book, eating Twinkies was a major factor in your weight gain at one time. When was the last time you had one?
JA: A while now. People keep buying them for me. Don’t buy me Twinkies! EM: Duly noted, John. Man In The Middle, By John Amaechi, Published by ESPN Books |
