Reader comments
Utah Jazz: Livingston takes first step in new career path

I've heard of Larry, Thaine, Trent, Todd, Tyler, Tim, Travis, and Tracy, but who is this Greg guy? More importantly, can he pull the trigger on the moves that Larry couldn't quite do in the past?

What an inspirational story. I knew Livingston was a journeyman, but didn't know about how highly touted he was in HS and the woes he faced throughout his career. I hope coaching works out for him!

I lived in Baton Rouge Louisiana, when Randy was coming up from "Nawlins. The buzz around town was palpable and then the injury and a collective sigh, groan and sadness filled the air. He was destined for greatness. Uncanny skills combined with a work ethic and humbleness was yet to be found anywhere, even with the "Pistol". Randy has achieved everything through grit and determination. He has to love this game. I for one would hope the Jazz put him on the payroll or help him land a job somewhere. With all the "entitled" blinged, headlined playaz, he is a great example of what athletics really is. He is truly an inspiration.

What a great example to the rest of us of hard work and continued perseverance. He's been dealt lemons many times and still intends to make lemonade. A great attitude to resolve to make the best of any situation in which he finds himself. My hat is off to you Randy. May God bless you in your pursuits.

It was a pleasure to watch Randy play for the Idaho Stampede this year. He took the stampede on his back and made critical plays going down the stretch to help win the D League Championship for the Pede.

I met Randy at a sweet sixteen bash (NOLA debutantes, not NCAA basketball) for Country Day and Newman high schools. I hated LSU and he hadn't yet committed. So I told him he should go to Tulane or UNO... Of course it's not LSU's fault that he got hurt, but it's just another "What if..." Dale Brown was a terrible coach (He had Shaq, Chris Jackson, Vernel Singleton and a slim trim version of Stanley Roberts all on the same team and they didn't even get to the final eight.) I'll always be a fan of Randy Livingston.

I am sure Randy will land on his feet and be successful. With an attitude and heart he has displayed, good things will come his way.

I literally thought I was going to break down and sob when you said that he once made significantly less than 6 figures. And what courage, to go on nightmarish trips to foreign countries. Did he have to even eat the food there and did people speak in (shudder) foreign tongues?
The sacrifice, the heart, the courage of our NBA heroes. It's inspiring.

As I was reading the story, a thought flashed through my mind that some knucklehead will miss the point of the story and sarcastically think it's "too bad" that Livingston "only" made $5 million in his career. Well, Bob, you win for being the first KH. You entirely missed the point of the story. Go back and read Bayou Bengal.

In case you need some help, the point is that everything was all ready to go for riches and fame but fate sent Livingston a different direction. Instead of turning to substance abuse or crime or making excuses, he made something out the hand he was dealt. In this day of perceived 'entitlement' by many professional athletes, this is truly inspirational. This is the kind of role model leadership we need from pro athletes.

This scenario could (and often does) happen elsewhere. This one just happens to be about an NBA player and thus receives more notoriety than most.

Hats off to Livingston! I wish him every success in his new endeavor.

Bob, Get over yourself and put some sugar in your lemonade...

Wow, Bob, pretty heartless. Ever been in a foreign country and had all your money disappear? Ever been unable to locate a family member and wonder if she's safe?

We read so many articles about deadbeat athletes. Good to read about one of the truly nice guys in sports. And like "Never Knew" 99% of us had no idea of what this guy has gone through. Even if he did make six figures most years, I can't imagine the pain from all those injuries and going through the rehab each time.

I do hope the JAzz help him find a coaching job. If I were Larry, I'd find a spot for him somewhere. Hire him to work with Price, Brewer and Almond on their ball-handling and passing skills.

I am sorry, but I agree with Bob (or maybe I am not sorry).

I think I was headed for greatness too, did well in school, worked hard to cover what scholarships would not, studied tough subjects...only my measly worthless scholarship was for something totally meaningless in todays world...academics. Can you believe I wasted my time on academics? I was not smart enough to focus where the real heros are...SPORTS.

And then I was derailed by trying to provide for a family and being laid off. I will probably finish my "career" (in 40 or so years) with a measly half mill, IF I can save and invest wisely.

So no, I do not feel bad that poor Randy "only" made $5 mill in his, what, 12 year career? How sad for him that he will have to have his personal assistants and financial advisors actually invest wisely to be able to spend the rest of his life in luxury, never working, instead of just blowing millions every year like the other NBA players who "earned it".

Puh-leeze.

I think as far as sport go...Randy is a good guy...I wish him well...I do NOT feel sorry for him.

Bob, Chad, etc: Randy Livingston doesn't want you to feel bad for him, nor is that the point of the story. Take it for what it's worth: a good guy who had some bad luck and continues to do the best he can in his situation. Perhaps you could both learn a lesson from him, starting with the benefits of having a positive attitude.

Sorry Chad, It's not about the money or the luxury or really even the sports. It's about being on a path of hopes and dreams and even having them within reach only to have life abruptly change the course and anticipated outcome. It happens to millions of people all the time. Some carve out a new path of hope and revise the dreams and move on without self-pity or venom for those who "made it". Others are bitter because they coulda, shoulda, woulda and end up berating others because life just isn't fair.

Whether it's Livingston or anyone else who overcomes adversity to persevere and face the future head-on, I, for one, will always cheer them on. I'll try to take someone else's experiences to enrich my own life.

I only hope that each time life takes me a different path than I hoped or anticipated, that I'll be able get on track somehow. But if I struggle getting back on top, I really hope that I'll not begrudge someone else who did.

Sorry for being so upbeat. Some recent reading has been life changing for me and is especially poignant today with the passing of Randy Pausch this morning.

Google Randy Pausch or The Last Lecture if you need some additional inspiration about making lemonade.

Wow!, having had a great and worthy goal and coming so close to achieving it in it's entirety, but not doing so, I can relate to how he must have felt occasionally wondering, "what if".

BUT!...to read how he kept swinging, I think that is to be commended.

Good job in your future endeavors and I hope to see you coaching in the NBA some day!

Great story about a guy that stuck to it, didnt quit and now is chasing his dream Head NBA Coaching Job..Good luck Randy you earned it THE HARD WAY !

If you ever, ever, ever want to see basketball played the way a cerebral -- borderline savant -- player plays the game, watch Randy. Call the Stampede office and ask for a video tape of any Randy game. He is a guy who, physically, should have been done years ago. He is a person who helped others become better and earn millions. He is my friend. GBRL.

The book is not finished yet. The guy is obviously a winner. I'm sure he'll someday be a great coach.