Chris Herren Returns to Ocean City Thursday Night

Chris Herren will speak about the dangers of narcotic and alcohol abuse Thursday night at the Ocean City Intermediate School, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Herren, a basketball legend from Massachusetts, realized his dreams by playing for the Boston Celtics, only to lose it all to addiction before rising again with a new dream.

His visit Thursday night marks the third year in a row Herren will be in Ocean City. In 2012, he spoke to students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, and in 2013, kicked off his Project Purple campaign.

Drug-free since June of 2008 and alcohol-free since August of 2008, Herren has trained over 200 basketball players including some of the top basketball prospects in New England. Off the court, he continues to share his story of abuse with audiences in hopes of reaching just one person and making a difference in their life.

His memoir, Basketball Junkie, was released in May 2011; in November 2011 a documentary based on his journey, Unguarded, aired as part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.

The event is presented by the Ocean City Foundation, Ocean City Home Bank, the Ocean City Police Department, the Ocean City Fire Department, Manco and Manco Pizza, Terry Ivory, The Shirt Shack, The Vanderslice and Davis Families, Cricket and Tory Frank, Susan and John Shirk, Hinchman Development, Glazed Over, Bay Cats, Ambrosia Treatment Centers Cats and WiserLink Advertising.