Vin Baker's Training To Manage A Starbucks

Vin Baker had a lengthy career in the NBA, but financially, he has nothing to show for it. Because of alcoholism, bad investments, and friends and family using him, Baker ended up in the gutter with almost no money. The current-day Baker is in better shape; the Providence Journal found him training to become a manager at a Starbucks franchise in Rhode Island.

The 43-year-old Baker, who had a stint with Seattle Supersonics, credited former Sonics owner and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz for the job and chance to put his life together. Even though the former NBA player lost millions of dollars, he doesn’t want anyone feeling sorry for him:

“When you learn lessons in life, no matter what level you’re at financially, the important part to realize is it could happen,” he said. “I was an alcoholic, I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they’re like ‘Wow.’ For me, I’m 43 and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces. I’m a father. I’m a minister in my father’s church. I have to take the story and show that you can bounce back. If I use my notoriety in the right way, most people will appreciate that this guy is just trying to bounce back in his life.”

Baker says he’s been sober for over four years.

[ Providence Journal]

Photo: Getty Images

Contact the author at samer@deadspin.com.