Former NBA forward Keon Clark sentenced to eight years in prison

Former NBA forward Keon Clark was sentenced to eight years in prison Wednesday on weapons charges and driving under the influence. The 13th pick in the 1998 draft, Clark spent six seasons in the L playing for the Nuggets, Raptors, Kings and Jazz. Since his playing career ended in 2004,  he’s had several run ins with the law and in 2007 announced that he had never played an NBA game sober. stating that he used to drink Gin, even during half time.

”I, uh, did a lot of stuff in my past,” Clark tearfully said at his plea hearing in Vermilion County Circuit Court, ”I have to own up to it.”

Clark pleaded guilty to two charges in two separate cases and was given four years for each count. He previously faced weapon, drug and traffic-related charges.

”The money, the fame, the fact that I was on TV. People think money will make your life better. Money didn’t dissolve my problems. It increased them,” he said, adding that he’s been getting counseling while he’s in custody.