From The Hartford Courant:
Before I was an NBA forward, before I was a UConn Husky and Big East Conference Player of the Year, I was a teenager. I made some serious mistakes and was incarcerated. I was held in solitary confinement. It was damaging, physically and mentally.
States like New York and New Jersey have taken steps to limit solitary. Now, Connecticut faces a choice: join them in reforming this brutal practice or be left behind. Connecticut is considering State Bill 1059, which would comprehensively restrict solitary confinement and create responsible, impactful changes. But despite the United Nations calling out Connecticut’s use of solitary as torture, the state’s political leaders need more encouragement to do the right thing. If they choose to look away, they’ll be hurting people. People like me.
Despite the love and care of an amazing mom, I was exposed to drug-dealing and violence from a young age. I had multiple run-ins with the law before I was 15 and got an 18-month sentence. My time in prison — where I was one of the youngest — was frightening. Violence was everywhere. I tried to mask my fear by acting tough and ended up in solitary for nearly two weeks. During those excruciating days, I had to dig deep to hold on to the things I cherish — my faith, my mother’s embrace, my brothers’ laughter, a perfect shot on the basketball court. Continue Reading >>>
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