Reader comments
Pills for pain put BYU star in a tailspin
86 comments | Read story
dl | 1:26 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
poor dude. hope he and his wife git over the problem for good.
Big Problem | 2:23 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
This is a big problem. The pressure to perform as a college athlete must be
huge. I am sure it is just as bad at BYU as at any other school with the reward
of millions of dollars if you make it into the NFL, I am sure many do whatever
it takes to get back on the field. I would hope there is much oversight by
coaches and trainers to help these young men/women athletes avoid such addictive
pain killers such as OxyContin which is the number one fastest growing drug of
choice among teens in Grade school on up. My hopes and prayers are with those
suffering with this terrible addiction, as well as with their families.
rick | 2:45 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
my son passed away from od on painkillers this is something that got to stop we
need rehabs not jail time if it as easy or a dr to write out the scrip then it
should be easy to send to rehab the drug company pulled a fast one over on the
drs saying great painkiller with little or no addicive properties now we have a
generation of young dying on painkillers
Comments continue below
GO Red Sox | 6:06 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
Although I like sports, I have always felt the football program at BYU should be
scaled back. Even when I went there it produced more embarrassing moments than
any other sector of the school, and I bet that was all other sectors combined.
In my day it was McMahon, but it seems like it is always someone doing something
that gets there names in the paper or is common knowledge around town. I do
like sports, but maybe not to this extent at BYU. I say we need a medical school
and more music.
Camille | 6:51 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I'm sorry for them. But, I don't think a sport is worth putting your
health at risk or lowering ones morals. Nobody is immuned to addiction, not even
an athlete. But, part of the blame has to be on the coaches, forcing them to
perform before they are ready and have healed. Healing takes time. Let the
athlete heal properly without the painpills.
Anonymous | 7:10 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
thats too sad....i hope that he gets help as well as his wife...i honestly think
we fall into the same catorgory....just some of us can control it....but in
anycase its good to know his family is supporting him with this. im still a
"BYU FAN" all the way!
JB | 7:35 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I know Bryant from school. He is a top notch kid who made a couple of mistakes
that led him down the road of addicition. It could happen to anyone. I am so
glad to see that he has picked his life up and seems to be fairly happy again.
There needs to be a lot more monitoring of pain pills by these Doctors.
It's playing with fire.
Anonymous | 7:46 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
people are quick to blame others for their childrens choices and mistake they
make. He put the pressure on himself not the coaches, trainers and doctors to
play!
Chris | 8:18 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
The sad thing is this is not limited to College and Pro sports. This is very
rampant in High School football also.
KP | 8:19 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
Thank you for this article. This is a big problem in our commmunities. It has
been around for years. I have had two friends pass away due to complications
caused from addictions to pain killers. Both played college sports (two
different institutions). Both were injured in college, as was the case in this
article.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing your story.
ryansutes | 8:21 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
A tremendous thanks, to the authors of this piece and to the Atkinson family. It
took a tremendous amount of courage on thier part. This is an extremely
important topic. As a physician I have seen this story played out numerous
times. And it is the main reason I am extremely guarded to prescribe opiates for
chronic pain. Obviously this problem exists at all schools and in the
professional sports. Years ago, Brett Favre admitted to a similar addiction.
Team physicians and coaches need to be more aware of the demands they put on
players. It sounds like the Atkinson's are a terrific family and I wish
them luck in recovering from this horrible addiction.
mike b | 8:34 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
This is an important wake-up call to a growing problem in Utah County. I knew
both of them while at BYU. They are good people trying to become better. I am
happy that Bryant and Mindy are making good progress and working to get their
good lives back. I am very grateful that both sets of parents have worked to
stay close to them. I admire the strength and times of tough love that helped
them make the progress they needed. This is a hard thing to go public about and
I am proud of Bryant and Mindy!
BlueBoy | 8:36 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
This article ought to be required reading this weekend for all BYU athletes and
coaches.
Anon | 8:38 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I knew Bryant for a little while when I was on the BYU football team. He's
a good kid and it's hard to believe that was going on. Just shows that it
can happen to anybody. My prayers go out to him and his wife.
Joel | 8:44 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
Coaches and administrations, at every level, treat kids like puppies. If this
batch doesnt work out there is a new batch on the way. Coaches only care about
them while they are playing well. The kids have the rest of their lives to live
their respective failures, successes, pains and injuries.
Anonymous | 9:16 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
pressure from a football program, lifes demands, survival of the fittest,
media,not feeling like you meet up to the demands of every day pressures, It can
lead to self medicating, an escape from it all.
It's not the answer, having a wonderful wife and oldest son with this addiction, but now clean, As a husband and father of addicts, I would suggest you seek help, because there is help out there.
It's not the answer, having a wonderful wife and oldest son with this addiction, but now clean, As a husband and father of addicts, I would suggest you seek help, because there is help out there.
Not Surprised | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
This whole issue Re this one and others are a BIG COP OUT. Go back years ago to
Golden Richards days and others of that generation and see if these Prescription
and Illegal drugs are not well documented, as to use and to health, and social
penalties for users. Warnings and life issues for use have been shown, brodcast,
and printed forever. Why do people think they are different and can get away
with things that are proven they can!t. Sorry is sports more important than life
and health, I don!t think so. Same old story, if your going to dance you gotta
pay the FIDDLER.
johnny cobert | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I was a adult probation officer for some 25 years in texas. During those years I
saw many good decent law-abiding people fall into a downward spiral because of
drugs. Our prisons are full of people who would otherwise not be there if it
were not for drugs/alcohol. This young man and his bride are going to make it
because they have family supporting them (not enabling them) but showing tough
love. To any parent who reads this, who has a child with a drug/alcohol problem,
take a deep breath, get on your knees and plead for courage, then get up and do
what you know you must do, report them to law enforcement. You will later thank
God you did.
Me | 9:46 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
Sports is very demanding, but I've got a problem with the father blaming it
on the program. I'm guessing the father pushed his son as much as anyone
until he got to college.
Who is to blame | 9:47 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
Scott says he blames his son and BYU. This type of problem happens at high
schools and universities and the pros everywhere. Is it the coaches and the
schools that make the decision for the player to keep pushing himself/herself in
spite of the physical pain that is telling the athlete to stop? Athletes need to
take ownership of their situation and not blame coaches. It can be a tough
decision to walk away from sports when there are pressures and expectations from
friends and family to continue, but it is still the athlete who makes the final
decision on whether to take painkillers or walk away. It's surprising to me
that even with all the education that goes on about the addictive qualities of
painkillers it still happens to people. Of course, some people also still choose
to smoke in spite of all the education and evidence against it. People gotta
have their drugs, I guess. But it still comes down to the fact it was their
decision, not some school or a bunch of coaches or anybody else.
Jason | 9:50 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
These two are very lucky to be doing well after addition. They seem to have a
strong family backing them, which is invaluable. Crazy as it seems, this couple
as the potential to do great things once they have fully broken their addition.
I think it was healthy for the parents to let them spend time in jail.
I don't see BYU's program as being at fault. It seems that a lot of the abuse happened from doctors who weren't associated with BYU. When he says that he searched out doctors who didn't ask questions, the real problem becomes available. Bryant could have quit after his first knee injury, but HE choose to continue. He could have quit after his second injury. It wasn't until the third injury that is addiction began (according to the article). Taking pain killers for that long increases the risk of addition. I believe that if BYU had told him to quit, his family would be screaming that BYU was being too extreem. Bryant was the only one in control, and I admire the way he has taken responsibilty and improved his life.
Maybe a dad, pushing him hard into football is the problem?
I don't see BYU's program as being at fault. It seems that a lot of the abuse happened from doctors who weren't associated with BYU. When he says that he searched out doctors who didn't ask questions, the real problem becomes available. Bryant could have quit after his first knee injury, but HE choose to continue. He could have quit after his second injury. It wasn't until the third injury that is addiction began (according to the article). Taking pain killers for that long increases the risk of addition. I believe that if BYU had told him to quit, his family would be screaming that BYU was being too extreem. Bryant was the only one in control, and I admire the way he has taken responsibilty and improved his life.
Maybe a dad, pushing him hard into football is the problem?
pb | 9:56 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
When people become addicted they will always look for excuses. I am glad to see
that Bryant and his wife and taking most of the responsibility but I feel that
BYU should in no way be accused. College athletics are competative. Players
are supposed to give their best. Same within a working environment. Coaches
and schools are not to be blamed for this addiction.
judy allred | 10:21 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
What about the Doctors who keep writing these prescriptions. Shouldn't they
be held accountable too? I know several people who's families have been
destroyed by Oxycotin and they were all getting them from their doctors. One of
my friends husbands went to his doctor for help and came back with a higher
dosage.
Dean M. | 10:28 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I've known Scott and Mary, Bryant's parents, for years. You will
never meet a better, kinder, more God-fearing couple, in this world. Their son,
Bryant, is the same way. Bryant and his wife, Mindy, aren't looking for
excuses nor are they asking for anyone's sympathy. They're just
looking to go forward with their lives. It's too easy to judge people
without knowing the facts. One thing that this article doesn't address is
the tremendous pressure college athletes get put upon them to succeed NOW in
behalf of the school. But when injuries and complications arise, too often the
athlete is pushed aside in favor of someone else. Good luck to you, Bryant and
Mindy. Our prayers are with you.
Football Dad | 10:30 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
As I write this I am sitting next to my son who is recovering from his second
operation on his knee in two years. Two years to the day as a matter of fact.
Both surgeries were major. No one pushed him to play football. No one pressured
him to compromise his health and shorten his recovery. It all came from within.
He pushed himself for the love of the game he enjoys soo much. He has plenty of
other abilities so that his whole life isn't wrapped up in sports. But it
is the thing he loves the most. We had already decided before the surgery to
very carefully manage his pain, but this article made my wife and I even more
vigilant.
KC Fan | 10:32 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
BYU is NOT to blame. That young man is right to shoulder the blame and, at
least for the moment, he's showing better judgment than his father.
Mike | 10:34 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I personally am aware of several people who are or once were addicted to some
kind of prescription medication. This is a huge problem due to the internet.
People can buy any prescription they want over the internet. It seems this is
huge problem among church members in general. Perhaps it is time the Word of
Wisdom is updated to include the real, current and serious issue of prescription
abuse and addiction - taking the place of which grains are good for man versus
animals perhaps?
TO: JASON | 10:37 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
Do you remeber the percidan issues in the 80's??? BYU SHOULD accept some
of the blame. There not the only ones out there doing it. It's not a
'byu' problem, it is a society problem. We do all sorts of things to
tell these kids from 2nd grade on that it the BEST is you play sports. Just
quit trying to rationalize byu involvement, it makes you look silly.
Hmmmm | 10:41 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
So he was taking 10 pills a day valued between $400-$600.00
And who was paying for these?
And who was paying for these?
kk | 10:54 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I agree with Whose is to blame and Jason but want to add that each situation is
unique. My son had knee surgery in June following his junior year of high
school by one of the BYU associated ortho specialists. My son was not a star
athlete but was a respectable player with potential. The doctor strongly
recommended he not return to sports for 8 months missing his senior year. He
told numerous stories of athletes at all levels including pros that tried to get
back on the field to early. Some did ok but most did not. The situation with
this family and player is not the same as ours though the injury and the
perscribed pain killers the same. My son chose to follow docs advise and get
off the pain meds asap. The temptation was great to not follow the docs advise
and I can only imagine how hard it would have been if he had been a star player.
I have one child that had a drug problem and a sister as well. Please
don't judge this great family and couple regardless of your experiences.
Pray that all of us can resist the temptation of drugs.
positive experience | 11:10 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
My son had surgery with BYU football and never was once pressured to hurry back,
in fact the opposite. They did not want him around to get hurt again and told
him to attend the therapy sessions and stay out of the weight room. He was told
by all coaches to leave the pain killers alone and get off fast, and never once
was oxycontin even prescibed. They gave a minimal amount of hydrocodone to get
through the first few days. Alot of the emphasis is on the athlete and their
support system in the way they handle it. I think great strides have been made
at BYU in controlling problems.
TN | 11:12 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
Best of luck to the Atkinsons, but to hold anyone responsible besides Bryant and
Mindy is ridiculous. I hope BYU steps in and helps in whatever way they can,
but the Dad is way off in suggesting that they should be responsible when Bryant
admits to not following prescribed dosages, gave pills to teammates without
notifying the team, didn't tell the coaches or trainers about his pain,
quit the team thereby losing contact with the school, and hid his problem from
everyone around him. (And the fact that Bryant can't remember how he paid
for the pills is very suspicious).
I suspect the dad is feeling some guilt himself for not realizing what was going on, and for no doubt pressuring his son to perform on field.
I suspect the dad is feeling some guilt himself for not realizing what was going on, and for no doubt pressuring his son to perform on field.
Accountability All Around! | 11:13 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
As a former BYU football player, both the player AND the program must stand
accountable for what went on here. Anyone suggesting that all of the pressure
to play only comes from within is a lie. Every week, coaches ensure that you
know that your scholarship, starting position, and acceptability or
"toughness" is on the line. There is external pressure to be on the
field. An injured player is of no use to the program, once you're injured,
chewed up and spit out. At the same time, as a player you must decide how far
you're willing to go in order to be on the field. Thus, accountability for
what happened here must be taken by both the program and the player. I'm
just glad I got out when I did, although it still might have been too late,
seeing I have to deal with injuries incurred at BYU that have permanently
altered my physical health. I wish Bryant the best, and all other players who
have suffered similar injuries/ situations.
Old Coug | 11:14 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
This is a sad tale, but one wonders if the drug/painkiller habit for this poor
kid didn't start earlier. High school athletes can get drugs just as
easily as college athletes can. I wouldn't be surprised if this kid and
his wife dabbled in painkillers as high school athletes, too.
Don't flush pills down toilet | 11:20 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
This is a sad story, although one that hopefully will have a happier ending than
what happened to Brad Martin. But please don't flush medication down the
toilet! Now those 400-500 pills are in the water supply, along with other
medications flushed away by everyone else. Water treatment plants can't
filter it out.
J.S. | 11:21 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
You CANNOT blame BYU or Bronco Mendenhall! The burden of responsibility must be
shouldered on the player (and his wife) and his doctors. Bronco does truly care
about his players. He always has and always will. Any pressure the players
"feel" to get back out there before they are ready is peer pressure,
not from the coaching staff.
I have played collegiate football and I am a fried of Coach Mendenhall. I had knee surgery earlier this year....I was on the phone with Bronco the day before my surgery and he warned me as a friend to be careful with the pain meds. He realizes they are needed to properly recuperate, but offered me a stern warning to get off of them ASAP. We talked about the programs available to the players in the program to help them recognize the warning signs and give them the tools to manage and avoid potential problems.
I do feel badly for the athletes that are dependent upon pain meds to be able to function. But the blame must be placed where it is appropriate...With the individual. There is a reason Bronco preaches personal accountability above all else, and he practices what he preaches....
I have played collegiate football and I am a fried of Coach Mendenhall. I had knee surgery earlier this year....I was on the phone with Bronco the day before my surgery and he warned me as a friend to be careful with the pain meds. He realizes they are needed to properly recuperate, but offered me a stern warning to get off of them ASAP. We talked about the programs available to the players in the program to help them recognize the warning signs and give them the tools to manage and avoid potential problems.
I do feel badly for the athletes that are dependent upon pain meds to be able to function. But the blame must be placed where it is appropriate...With the individual. There is a reason Bronco preaches personal accountability above all else, and he practices what he preaches....
Mr. M | 11:26 a.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I'm glad to see that this young couple are changing their lives around and
seem to be on the right path. I just can't believe that something like
this could happen at a place like BYU where I have been told everything and
everyone are as clean and white as the wind-driven snow. All of my BYU fan
friends and neighbors keep telling me that things like this only happen at other
schools where people of "lesser quality and spiritual integrity"
attend and play sports. I just can't believe this could happen at BYU. I
thought Elder Bronco had returned the program to glory and was fully invested in
the program. I thought this type of evil only happened at places like the U of
U where everyone is always drunk or high (tic)!
In all seriousness, this should be a wakeup call for everyone. This can happen anywhere and to anyone and many share the blame... athletes, parents, coaches, doctors etc.. Even at a perfect place like BYU. The win-at-all-cost mentality can and does destroy lives.
In all seriousness, this should be a wakeup call for everyone. This can happen anywhere and to anyone and many share the blame... athletes, parents, coaches, doctors etc.. Even at a perfect place like BYU. The win-at-all-cost mentality can and does destroy lives.
Hmmmmm | 12:07 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I had surgery to fix a broken nose a few years back, and didn't take
anything for the pain. I was prescribed pain medication, but it didn't
hurt too bad, so I didn't take any and threw them all away a few days
later. Last year I had a roomate who had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus
(sp?). He didn't take pain meds, either. I know he was hurting quite bad
for a few days, but he made it all right (he was back to playing soccer and
hiking within a few months). I know there is a proper place for pain
medication, but I'd rather suffer through a little pain (or even a lot)
than risk becoming addicted.
JPC53 | 12:41 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
For all of you who say that the sports program shouldn't be blamed, or that
they would never force someone to do this. You are living in a dream world. In
division 1 athletics winning is the only thing and schools recruit over kinds
constantly. If you can't make it they have others in the wings waiting to
take your place. That is the psychological pressure that coaches and programs
put on individuals. Combine that with the players love for the sport and you
have a prescription (pardon the pun)for disaster. For anyone that still thinks
that programs wouldn't give athletes painkillers to improve their
performance, all you had to hear was Bonnie Brillstein on the sidelines before
the Rutgers game today. When talking about the Rutgers quarterback's bad
hand she said she was told by the coaches that he would take a painkiller, have
it wrapped and be ready to go. Unfortunately this happens all the time.
fellow drug addict | 12:43 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
As a recovering drug addict with over 1 year in sobriety and a health care
provider, it is possible to overcome the bondage of addiction. This is a
DISEASE that can best be overcome with 12 step programs. I am happy to see the
LDS Church has finally embraced these 12 step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous
and Narcotics Anonymous. As a fellow addict, I'm happy to see this couple
in recovery.
dyc | 1:04 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
As I read the comments I notice everyone seems to be busy saying who is or is
not to blame. We don't have enough facts to know that, and I don't
think that is the point of the article. After reading this article, what I hope
happens is that all people who read it will learn from the story. Parents need
to help their minor and young adult children understand what they need to do to
protect their bodies if they are playing sports. The student athlete needs to
understand that no sport is worth destroying your body, and the coaches need to
do everything in their power to protect the athletes for whom they have
stewardship. Most important is that Bryant and Mindy need to be commended for
turning their lives back around and being brave enough to share their story with
the rest of us. I doubt that I would be brave enough to do that.
Can't blame football | 1:25 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I know many addicted to pain killers who don't know a thing about football.
This problem extends to all levels, all religions, races, sexes, and situations.
Some are more succeptible to chemical addictions. I've had to take pain
killers many times for different reasons and have never been tempted. But
I'm far from perfect in other areas of my life.
Good luck to the young couple.
Good luck to the young couple.
Been there... | 1:35 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
Good luck to Bryant and Mindy, I wish them the best. The pressure to perform
doesn't stop after football, it is part of life, so there could always be
someone else to blame. Bravo to Bryant for taking responsibility for his
addiction. It is the first step in recovery. I can understand Scott
Atkinson's feelings...looking for a reason and something to blame. But I
wonder if he has taken into consideration how many parents may be blaming Bryant
and Mindy for their child's addiction problem. It happens to the best of
people. Parents and kids have to meet the problem head on and not pretend it
isn't there or that it is someone else's fault.
Dr.'s share blame | 2:00 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
When are we going to start holding physicians accountable in our society. Too
many physicians don't take the time to ask the right question and follow up
with their patients. I know that some physicians suspect abuse but they are too
worried about losing a patient and so they continue to prescribe. If our
society wants to work on this problem we need to attack both the supply and the
demand. The supply of these pain killers is way to easy to obtain!
Matt | 2:35 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
To Dr.'s share blame,
As a medical student we have discussed ad naseum about how to determine whether or not a patient is drug-seeking. Dr.'s aren't worried about losing patinets, they have plenty to go around, but they are worried about giving someone something they don't need. If you read the entire article you will notice that he started getting pills from other sources, like his wife and on the internet. Granted, there are some doctors who are bad, but don't blame the entire profession for a person who lied to get drugs and found illegal ways to maintain his addiction
As a medical student we have discussed ad naseum about how to determine whether or not a patient is drug-seeking. Dr.'s aren't worried about losing patinets, they have plenty to go around, but they are worried about giving someone something they don't need. If you read the entire article you will notice that he started getting pills from other sources, like his wife and on the internet. Granted, there are some doctors who are bad, but don't blame the entire profession for a person who lied to get drugs and found illegal ways to maintain his addiction
johnny cobert | 2:40 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
After reading the submitted comments I want to say one thing more. Listen to
"fellow drug addict" who is in revovery. Doesn't matter if it is
a legal or illegal drug, the brain responds the same way. If you have never
dealt with addiction ( yourself or a significant other in your life) then you
have no idea of the monster it is. It does no good to point fingers. You have
to get off your backside. admit that you have lost control of your life and say
"I need help" and mean it. Unfortunatly, the disease of addiction can
never be healed. Once established, it has to be dealt with the rest of your
life. Only those in recovery know what I mean when I speak of
"triggers" and how they show their face when least expected and how
you have to be prepared to deal with them. The best program on earth to help
deal with these "triggers" is a 12-step group and program. So,
don't use your energy placing the blame, get your loving family member
into a treatment program. And with it, tough love is essential. These programs
work.
Narcotics are difficult | 3:55 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
As a medical doctor, I along with all of my colleagues prescribe medications
including narcotics.
No doctor in Utah should lack for patients to the point of prescribing medications for pain without concern and without careful consideration. We are all busier than we want to be without trying to drum up business in that way.
I do have patients who require long term pain medications for many types of illnesses: rheumatoid diseases, cancer and other painful chrnoic illnesses, auto injuries and sports injuries to name a few. A patient on scheduled chronic pain medication must sign a contract to get his pain medications only from one doctor and one pharmacy. The prescription must be followed correctly and filled at the appropriate time. If it is done fraudulently or early, the patient may then be dismissed from the practice.
We are very careful about this.
Many patients are dishonest and deceptive about there narcotic use and will doctor "shop", claim fake injuries, use different aliases, pick up precriptions in someone elses name.
Once addicted, using the medication as a high instead of for pain, Oxycontin and heroin are injected, percocet, lortab illegally obtained from the street.
Be careful with narcotics!
No doctor in Utah should lack for patients to the point of prescribing medications for pain without concern and without careful consideration. We are all busier than we want to be without trying to drum up business in that way.
I do have patients who require long term pain medications for many types of illnesses: rheumatoid diseases, cancer and other painful chrnoic illnesses, auto injuries and sports injuries to name a few. A patient on scheduled chronic pain medication must sign a contract to get his pain medications only from one doctor and one pharmacy. The prescription must be followed correctly and filled at the appropriate time. If it is done fraudulently or early, the patient may then be dismissed from the practice.
We are very careful about this.
Many patients are dishonest and deceptive about there narcotic use and will doctor "shop", claim fake injuries, use different aliases, pick up precriptions in someone elses name.
Once addicted, using the medication as a high instead of for pain, Oxycontin and heroin are injected, percocet, lortab illegally obtained from the street.
Be careful with narcotics!
JEB | 5:34 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I am proud of Mindy and Bryant for having the courage to tell their story. I
hope that it can help others who may be at risk for developing a similar
addiction to pain medications.
Football Family | 5:45 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
BYU coaches would never push an individual to this end. The boy admits he did
not tell the coaches of the pain.
I am quite confident there are a hundred individuals in this valley that have become addicted to these pain killers for every one football player.
I am quite confident there are a hundred individuals in this valley that have become addicted to these pain killers for every one football player.
Mike | 5:54 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007
I think there are a lot of things in the world that people can become addicted
to. That doesn't make them evil, or wrong. However, when those things
take away our ability to act for ourselves or to be free, they cross the line.
I agree that MUCH more education regarding prescription medication needs to take
place. Hopefully, this article will get the right conversations happening.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Morning News
Bryant and Mindy Atkinson play Foosball at the home of Bryant's parents in Provo. They now look at their arrest last March on drug charges to have been a blessing.
Related content
- ACC well represented in College Cup 9:20 a.m.
- Climate draft has gaping holes 9:12 a.m.
- Raich wins World Cup super combi 9:11 a.m.
- Stocks rise on retail sales data 8:52 a.m.
- Detained Americans face deportation 8:31 a.m.
- 19 Turkish miners dead in collapse 8:29 a.m.
- Airbus' hulking A400M flies 8:26 a.m.
- Ice climber dies in Mont. avalanche 7:45 a.m.
- Suicide bomber kills 5 in Afghanistan 7:35 a.m.
- NYC mayor: 'Too many guns' 7:33 a.m.
- Disappearance called 'sususpicious'
- Defense witness goes on offensive
- Nude bathers cited for lewdness
- LDS to emphasize helping needy
- Few details on missing W.V. mom
- Unga might enter NFL draft
- Jazz manage a magical win
- BCS = power conference monopoly
- 5 officers lose their certification
- Phoenix temple inspires thanks
- Letters: Global warming a lie
256 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl206
- BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall193
- Palin signs books, chats with fans166
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil151
- Cougars going back to Vegas150
- Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax142
- Nude bathers cited for lewdness127
- Max Hall wants to look ahead125
- Jazz fall apart late at L.A.110
 |
Basketball Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
| Jazz | 22 | 30 | 38 | 30 | 120 | |
| Magic | 35 | 25 | 21 | 30 | 111 |
When the 2008-09 season wrapped up, the Aggies had a 30-5 record and...
ESPN's Mark Schlabach ranked the Las Vegas Bowl as the seventh most...
Latest comments
Great job girls keep up the hard work and you will have the same result with...
Need to help all the poor rich people. Heaven forbid we have anaffordable...
Better start believing!!! Those homeless are constantly being helped by the...
The minute we take what rhetoric Chuck spills out of is mouth is the day we...
Thanks to Coach Edwards for bringing football to life in this state. Without...
No, the occurrence in Times Square is not because they are guns on the...
We tend to adjust our attitudes in light of what we see and hear going on...
Good for her!!!
I can't really understand why these young gifted people are so self...
Isn't this a socialistic agenda? I figured most of you would be against this...
Advertisements