Ep 6. Unguarded

In the sixth episode of season 1 of ESPN Films, viewers are taken on a journey through the life of basketball player Chris Herren in the documentary entitled "Unguarded." The film chronicles Herren's rise to fame and his subsequent downfall due to drug addiction.

The episode begins with Herren's childhood in Fall River, Massachusetts, where he excelled in basketball and earned a scholarship to play at Boston College. However, Herren's collegiate career was short-lived as he was kicked off the team for drug use. Undeterred, Herren continued to play basketball, eventually getting drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999.

Herren's NBA career was cut short due to injuries and continued drug use. He then played for several teams overseas before retiring in 2006. It was during his time playing overseas that Herren's addiction reached its peak, with him using drugs such as heroin and cocaine regularly.

The documentary then dives into Herren's road to recovery, including his multiple trips to rehab and the support he received from his family. Herren has now been sober for over a decade and has become an advocate for addiction recovery.

Throughout the film, viewers gain insight into Herren's personal life, including the strains his addiction put on his relationships with his wife and children. Herren also reflects on the choices he made that led to his addiction, including the influence of basketball culture and the pressure to be a successful athlete.

The documentary features interviews with Herren's family, former teammates, coaches, and addiction specialists. These interviews reveal the impact Herren's addiction had on those around him, as well as the support system that helped him overcome it.

"Unguarded" is much more than a typical sports documentary. It is a powerful and emotional portrayal of one man's struggle with addiction and his journey to recovery. Viewers will be left with a sense of hope and inspiration, as well as a greater understanding of the toll addiction can take on individuals and their loved ones.