Ted needs to stay away from his family for a while. I will not be surprised if the argument was over money. Ted will be making some good money and he needs to get his head straight first, then deal with his family later. His family will only cause more problems. Too much is coming at him all at once. Hearing a daughter throw in her two cents is not what Ted needs to hear right now. His children are adults and everyone needs to act like adults.

When I heard of Ted a few days ago, I told my wife that the media needs to leave him alone. Let the guy try and grasp his new-found life. Just like another poster wrote...they'll build him up and gladly tear him down.

Future History-

Yes they do. Your love or hate is not required.

Right Matt - nonbelievers are totally incapable of rehabilitation. I am living proof that that is not so.

Is there such thing as a non-believer?

Matt, no, they don't.

Rick - no, they really don't. They don't have to do anything if they so choose.

I didn't know this man had fathered nine kids. That makes me feel totally different about him, now. Who was feeding and raising his nine kids while he was living on the streets? Did he think that all would be forgiven, just like that? Kids (both boys and girls) who don't have their fathers in their lives, suffer. We all know the stats with most of the people in prison -- 98% of them didn't have a stable relationship with their fathers. I'm wondering why he didn't have a burden to get a job and help raise those kids for all those years.

This man needs a life coach. This sudden fame is way too much to handle for someone like him.

Right Matt - nonbelievers are totally incapable of rehabilitation. I am living proof that that is not so.

Me too~~~~~~~

BUC21 - If you never believed in God, and you think you brought youself out of the situation...you're sadly mistaken!

So by that logic the AZ. gunmans horrible actions are the result of Gods influence too?

I believe in religion and the benefits that it has for some, but instilling God as a prerequisite for staying sober is BS! There are MANY people that wouldn't have ANTHING to do with rehab if God were involved in the equation. It may work for you, but too many people would not begin to start rehab if religion was involved.

yes, you do have to have a relationship with God. If that was once part of your life then that will bring you out of your situation. If you never believed in God, and you think you brought youself out of the situation...you're sadly mistaken!

Your bible does not rule everyone. Only you.

The truly sad part of this whole story is that there will be no end to "Managers", "Publicists", etc., promising help, all the while picking his pockets for every dime. Also, never forget all those "Distant" Cousins and Friends off the street needing a handout.

If the guy is smart, he won't get a Manager like LeBron James did at first, bleeding him dry while promoting him. The Slimeballs of wealth will be after this guy as it already appears, and how many "Abandoned Children" will be claimed?

Poor guy, I really hope he keeps his head on and makes it back safely, but, in the Entertainment World, that all comes at a "Price", as we are already seeing here.

How do we go from a guy that has lived a less than worth life and has now been given a second chance to a religeon debate. Christian or not, save your argument for another topic. This is a story about a guy that SEEMS to be trying to start his life over. Who cares how long he lived the wrong life. What matters is that he now SEEMS to be trying the right path. Yes he obviously hasnt been paying child support. He also hasnt been paying Ted support. This isnt like he lived the great life while stiffing his kids. He completely gave up on everything and now has a chance to pick himself back up and hopefully make right to the rest of his family that he has hurt for all these years. Let him do it without bringing him back to your spiteful little world. In 5 years if his kids can forgive him, who the hell are any of you to not?

Apparently this "large clan" of Ted Williams, who has been abandoned on the streets, homeless, by his mother, ex-spouse and 9 kids ... all of a sudden has all this "loving concern" for him ... now that he is headed to financial success and doesnt need their help or charity anymore.

He may have gotten onto the streets and become homeless on his own ... but obviously this "loving clan" of his didnt give a shlt until he had some money in his pockets they could possibly get their greedy hands on.

When he had nothing, they all turned their backs on him ... I say he wish them all well, promises to send xmas cards in the future, asks for "pictures" he will never look at and says ... bye, bye, farewell ... see you sometime in the next few decades or so ... and creates a new, happy life for himself without the baggage from his past who couldnt give a shlt about him these past 2 decades.

They had no troubles finding him once he had money ... and boy did they come running fast after all this time, even though they didnt give a damn if he was alive or dead in the streets before he was "discovered" as a valuable talent.

What you people are not grasping is that these negative facts about the man are who he is and are things that go along with being a homeless man begging for money. The majority of homeless people have families and responsibilities that they have left behind due to their inability to handle them because of drug and alcohol use or mental disease. The idea that some of you people thought that this guy was just a "down-on-his-luck" hobo with a heart of gold is borderline retarded. The funny thing about giving people a second chance is that in order to do so with any kind of sincerity, you have to forgive ALL of their down falls not just the ones that are easy. This guy and his family need him to succeed with his new life. Past transgressions will continue to come out, but unless we start judging this guy based off of the decisions that he makes after his second-chance, then he will be destined to relapse and his family and he will suffer the consequences.

And I was once a drug dealer who made over 100K per year, was involved in some horrendous violent crimes, and made decision that were only in the benefit of my own circle. Then my firs child was born. Within 1 week I left that world and 5 years later I am now a COO for a major corporation. I agree that NORMALLY you can judge someone based on previous behaviors. Luckily for me, I didnt have the entire US talking about my history. Because I had the ability to have a second chance, I took it and ran with it. Now I have a happy family with multiple kids who unfortunately have a father that lived a life that they will not know about until they are adults. Those of you that have never been in a situation like that should eat a big spoonful of "shut the hell up" and let this guy "pass or fail" with this new possibility. Not only for his sake, but for his entire family's.

@ Travis E.

You hit the nail on the head here. Great post with clarity, insight, understanding and rationale. Could not have said it any better!

Thank you Kayner. We all make choices...some are bad. I saw the interview with his mother and all she talked about was her shame...don't disappoint me again. Baloney.

also, they are not Christians they are Jehovah's Witnesses. big difference. I would have a problem with any mom whose first words to her son after over 10 years, and him now sober and straight, where don't disappoint me again. I cannot imagine a Christian mom would say that. She would think the sign that was so embarassing to this mom was the sign God used to give her son another chance.

Religion aside, this man has a second chance at life and his family may not help that. They might be the reason he turned to drugs and alcohol. Counseling is a must.

@ShuShu, the mother said that her husband was a Jehovah's Witness, not herself. She said that she belonged to the nicest church in Brooklyn. As he kept saying that he wanted to get home to spend Christmas with his mother, and Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas, they are not Witnesses.
Watch it again. I'm sure that man's father would take the example set out by Jesus in the story of the Prodigal Son and would have forgiven him with no questions asked, as would any true Christian who is waiting for a beloved child to be reunited with them.

Also, a Christian is defined by a belief in Jesus as the Christ and following his beliefs and teachings, which Jehovah's Witnesses do. The difference is that we believe that Jesus is the only-begotten firstborn son of Jehovah God, the Creator. He is not equal to Jehovah, but his beloved son. (John 17:3)

I watched Mr. Williams on a show yesterday and he looked like he was twitching like a Meth head....these kind of folks rarely get clear of that particular addiction....it is the most destructive drug in the world, and it will be no surprise if he disappears mysteriously and reappears smoking crystal.

Deck stacked against him, he will never make it. Gotta pay all that back child support and all them old fines and hospital bills and all them relatives AND FRIENDS gonna want all his money. He will be broke and back on the street in a month, or DEAD

Ted, stay far away from that mother of yours. She reminds me of my mother whom I've never been able to please for 63 years, and have had severe self-destructive and low self-esteem issues because of it.

Some women weren't meant to be mothers. Mine is one of them, and I think yours is too.

hmm, right on the money. this guy had a life, not to mention 9 kids, and he threw it away for drugs/alcohol, it would be nice if he gets it together, but he is not a role model, he didn't pull himself up by the bootstraps, he just got lucky doing something the media could exploit.

I agree, he didnt earn it. But for some reason, he still got it. For all you that seem like you hope he fails, at least have some hope for his 9 kids. As for destined to fail, that sounds like something read from a college course text book. If I can stop living my lifestyle and stop taking 30 percocets a day just by seeing my first kid born, anyone can do it if they want to. Maybe, just maybe this guy wants to change his life after 20 years of bad decisions, headaches, vomiting, jail, probably getting beat up, and living in animal urine. Geez, try to give the guy the benefit. He's done nothing to any of you.

Travis, in this economy ... where the worst hasnt hit yet .... beware. If you lose your job, and those around you do as well ... and this will happen, the GOP isnt bringing any jobs back, neither are the Dems, and they all are making sure the rich are being rewarded for keeping those jobs offshore .... you may find yourself homeless. Many middle class and upper middle class ended up homeless after the crach of 1929. Many wealthy merely shot themselves in the head and left their families (wives, parents, kids) homeless. They couldnt deal with being "poor" so they took the coward's way out instead of staying and trying to help their families.

It doesnt take as long as most think to go from doing damn well to out in the streets ... so be careful what memetics you spread, they may fall upon you some day.

are you all retarded? it says he was "reportedly" detained. the police were called to one of the hotels the dr. phil show uses around the time ted and his daughter were in town. there is absolutely not one shred of evidence that the police were called because of him. this is some bull$hit reporting for sure. i wish this guy the best of luck.

This story is USELESS people. They didn't even positively identify the people involved! Nice work MSNBC!

At: Recycled Hope

I see that the media fear tactics have gotten to you my friend. Lets do a little experiment. Find 100 homeless people on the street and do a poverty audit. I would be willing to bet that 95 or more of them are homeless due to addiction and not because of the economy. It would be an interesting study and I believe that it would maybe change your views on the reason behind the homeless problem in America.

Travis - can I get in on that action? Do you really think that 95% is due to addiction? Get real. Yes, it's going to be a high percentage ... but not 95% high. You must be 95% high to think that.

Whomever has offered assistance to this man has done no wrong. Their goodness is a credit, regardless. But...

The Bible sayeth: "Let the tree be know by the fruit that it bears." A bad tree shall yield only bitter fruit. Case in point.

And I'll add to that from my own personal experience: "No Good deed goes unpunished."

Nevertheless, one must not give up, or become jaded, and most of all must avoid sarcasm.

Sounds like another Susan Boyle Story. Ted Williams must have excellent agents and handlers to guide him through his celeb profession.

It would not be unusual for a family member to spout angry tones at a person who disappeared out of their lives for some time, then come back. They were Abandoned from his life.

Well, good Luck, Mr. Williams. Hope Fame doesn't destroy you in another way. Lightening struck in your favor. Hang on to it.

At: Future History

Then what do you think is the main cause of homelessness? I have served food at a local soup kitchen for years and easily 95% of the people that come through the lines that are homeless have some form of addiction that has aided in their residential deficiency. Remember, if an alcoholic is homeless and his 4 kids are as well, then alcoholism has contributed to the lives of all 5 homeless people. Maybe that is just in my neck of the woods, but my guess is that 95% is about right.

Here we go: Can take the ppl out of the slums, but can't take the slums out of ppl....So an ARGUMENT is now akin to a drive-by shooting? Huh?

What the FLIP are you talking about? Tell that to Bill Cosby, Patti Labelle, Oprah, Mark Wahlberg, Shania Twain, and countless others....The reality: Ppl can never rise above the slums because ppl like YOU choose to keep bringing it up at every occurence!

Shameful.

Travis - I don't think it's fair to say that the 4 kids are homeless due to alcohol. Would you maintain that theory when the alcoholic dies and leaves them orphaned and homeless? A growing number of innocent people are experiencing homelessness due to loss of jobs/benefits and forclosure. A lot of them have had the good fortune of having friends or family to take them in - but they are still "homeless". Some don't have this good fortune.

Wow, it appears you can't raise your voice in a Hollywood hotel or the management will have the cops drag you off to the pokey. Hmmmm LOL

Anyhoo, many to most argument is about money. Could it be that now he has it she wants it or some thing to that effect.

On the other hand children today no matter their age seem not to be all that respectful to their elders from what I have observed. Hmmmm

oh good grief a "yelling altercation"? what a foolish event to report and dwell on!

Right on! I think he needs to stay away from his family for a while. His mom kept saying on tv that she was ashamed to see him holding the sign on the streets. Where were them when he was homeless?

Jose:

You're right.

Well, maybe Mama was telling the truth about him on the streets, but he isn't a little boy anymore. Anyone over the age of 16 can get themselves "estranged" from their families for various reasons. Addictions take people to unknown places.

When there is money involved re; a family member, the family Vultures come out.

Here's a good example. Now he is welcome in the family. Aha.

shu-shu 'a christian mother wouldn't act that way'

really?

guess you never met my mother!

she tried to kill me when i was 4. she smashed a glass milk bottle over my head. it broke into a hundred little pieces. 35 years later i asked her about the incident. without hesitation she said "You deserved it, you were acting up."

when she died, i felt relief. and i said, "at least she will never be able to hurt me again!" no tears at all. and i have felt, strangely ,better since she died!

she was christian, and mean as ----!

and due to her and my dad's superior parenting skills, fully 75% of their children never had children! NOW THAT SAYS SOMETHING!!

Amazing, homeless all over America and because this guy has a pretty voice everyone is worried about him.

He probably dissapointed his Mother so much over the years and being a bit overwhelmed herself what could she say on TV.

And if the children were raised like him it is without a doubt that one of them would have started a fight. Maybe not even over money just where were you all my life?

I wish him well but let's not forget the rest who can't speak so pretty!

You don't know the first thing about dealing with a recovering or relapsing person either from drugs or alcahol. Trust me, it's a constant wait and see game. And you never become an ex-drug user or ex-alcaholic. You are always in recovery. His mother has 20 + years of I'm sorrys and I promise next time will be different.

@gigi: I had a close relative that I suspected of being an alcoholic and I knew this person had the gift of gab, the golden tongue so to speak and I knew they would never out right admit they had a drinking problem. After observing this person start his day off one morning with a 32 oz. mug, mixed drink, I waited for two days, giving them time to forget the morning drink and then asked him if he thought a person that started their day off with a mixed drink had a problem with alcohol. He replied, Oh, hell yeah and then I told him that's what he did a couple days ago. He frantically searched for a good comeback and said he left his tooth ache medicine at his place and needed a pain killer. Well, that was obvious bs. He never mentioned anything about a tooth problem in two weeks being at my place. Two months later he was dead from alcoholism. Getting them to admit it is one thing and hoping they will fight it is totally another. I fear this man may snap under the pressures. He doesn't need stardom right now, he needs to be saved from himself. For about a year now I have stopped giving money to homeless people that look like they're abusing drugs or alcohol. I refuse to help them pay for their habit or help to put another nail in their coffin.

I' ve been in a position to see this kind of thing several times over. Fame and money are great but, he has been a donor dad and in trouble with the law many, many times. No wonder his family is leary. I believe Dr. Phil is on the right track. You have to take care of you before you can even hope to move on, He owes a lot of people a lot of things and until he can make it right he cannot hope to have real relationships, I say, hold on to the kudos, get your life right and then take on the responsibilites of job, family and success. He started his notarity before he was stable enough to handle it. Better men than him have fallen victim to the baggage that comes with fame and success. I wish him well but, I'm not holding my breath.

Alcoholics Anonymous started out with God as the "higher power" Years later, it isn't politically correct to mention God to people who have no use for Him.

The YWCA and WMCA used to be the Young Woman's Christian Association and the Young Man's Christian Association. Now they are PC and called the Y.

I know many people who have no relationship with Jesus and kick all sorts of addictions.

My husband's counselor told the class that out of 100 people trying to kick an addiction in rehab, 1/3 will kick and be free the rest of their life with work; 1/3 will take a little time and maybe a few more rounds before they kick and be free the rest of their life with work; 1/3 will try rehab and won't be able to kick and will have to spend the rest of their life dealing with a monkey on their back.

My dad was an alcoholic for most of his life. He was sober when he died last March. His father died as an alcoholic. My mother's sister gave up drinking in an intervention, but not cigarettes and died of lung cancer in 1999. My parents and maternal grandfather all quit smoking after the Surgeon General came out in 1964 and said smoking was bad for your health. My husband tried several times to kick alcohol and drugs and finally got to a place where he had to after I divorced him.

For someone who has addictions, instant fame can just blow them out of the water. That Ted acknowledges that God blessed him means he knows who is in control. Lord, I lift up Ted to You. You reached down and pulled him off the street and gave him opportunities he can't fathom. I ask that You watch over him as he goes into rehab and be there for him when he needs You. Let Your light shine through Ted into the lives of those shackled by addictions. I thank You for what You have done and what Your are going to do. In Your Mighty Matchless Name Amen.

I understand and agree that we don’t need to reward crime and an abusive life of drugs and alcohol but it is nice to recognize and help someone back up when they have fallen into this life style, if they are serious about standing back up on their own two feet and providing for self and family.

Even if this man lands a good opportunity and full time job for himself, he can never undo the wasted years, and he definitely will not be able to do it over night. But by mending his way of life, he will be able to restore those broken down relationships with his ex-wife, his children and grandchildren.

My genuine concern for him at this point is that he gets his life straight and proves his sincerity first. For a time period, He needs to stay away from"Family, Friends, and anyone who may feel their friend has won the lottery", and he needs to make sure he stays in professional counseling and rehab until he is settled and established. I hope he never feels so secure that he doesn't need and will reject any advice or help from a professional councilor. He also needs to stay away from media interviews until his professional councelor determines he is ready and able to handle the probing and questioning.

He needs to accept some job offer that he has received and then work hard, walk straight and clean for his family and all to see, get established, and then go back and make good on anything that he can. He can't repair or rebuild 20 wasted years over night, but one day at a time, one moment at a time, he can build a monument of a life that will stand forever.

It is idealistic to think of a clean, pure, perfect life of nothing but good old hard work and good pay for your labor, and never having any down times to deal with, but that is not always true with the real world and life as we know it. Everyone deals with problems differently, and evidently he turned to drugs and alcohol.

People do fall into the traps of life from time to time for many reasons, but if they are serious about getting back up and doing what is right, I am all for helping those folk. Not the ones who just want a hand out and sympathy from everyone.

I don’t expect many to agree, but always remember this one fact: “With what measure you judge, it will be measured to you again.” You can hope and pray you never make any wrong judgments and stupid mistakes in your life; but if you do, I hope, and I'm sure you will hope and pray that someone is there to pick you back up and help you establish yourself again.

I believe Ted will fall down again if he does not get the help rehab can give him.

Hopefully he will find his way.

I would be willing to bet that 95 or more of them are homeless due to addiction and not because of the economy.

Then obviously you haven't taken a good look at how the mentally ill are now treated in this great country of ours if you think most homeless are on drugs. Or you haven't peeked into your local dept of social services & seen the huge influx of fresh applications for assistance. Some folk are back to living like it was the 1700s, 3-4 generations crammed into a house or apt meant to accommodate 1-2 at the most. Whole families in cheap studios or 1BR apts. Sibs or friends on the sofa. W/o some sort of housing assistance, it's impossible to have a roof over your head on unemployment, welfare, or a minimum-wage job, & that's just a single person, not a family. W/o health ins, ppl don't get any help for mental illness or addiction.

That's directly due to the state of the economy.

As for the actual topic instead of the tangent...."estrangement" doesn't necessarily mean it was the gentleman in question's decision to not have contact w/ his family. You've never seen an acrimonious divorce take place where one party decides the other isn't going to have contact w/ the children? You've never heard of the "tough love" concept where ppl deliberately break off all contact b/c a friend's or relative's behavior doesn't meet their standards? Years ago this didn't happen. You took care of your own no matter what, not threw them into the trash b/c you were sick of dealing w/ them. And in a divorce the man always had the upper hand over the woman, up until about 60 yrs ago or so, & a woman couldn't withhold children from their father no matter what the circumstances.

Tho I'm thinking if the 1st thing out of Mama's mouth after a 20-yr estrangement is "don't disappoint me again" or out of a daughter's is a screaming fit that attracts police attn....dude might be better off w/o such relatives. Would they be in contact w/ him now if there wasn't a scent of $$$ in the air & a chance for them to be on TV? Probably not.

God's got nothing to do w/ that nonsense. The Today show is rapidly becoming tabloid journalism at its worst lately.

Kayner stated - "And I was once a drug dealer who made over 100K per year, was involved in some horrendous violent crimes, and made decision that were only in the benefit of my own circle. Then my firs child was born. Within 1 week I left that world and 5 years later I am now a COO for a major corporation."

So you do 'horrendous violent crimes' against other people's families, but decide to clean up your act because you now have a child that you don't want subjected to the pain you inflicted on others??? F You! You're not a role model or anyone to be praised...you are just a selfish a-hole that only changed because you didn't want the things you were doing to other people's children to happen to yours! You only changed because it suited your particular needs, you're not concerned about the general welfare of anyone around you. What have you done to help the people you hurt now that you have cleaned up your act and are so successful? Answer: Absolutely nothing. Why don't you go and ask forgiveness from the families you destroyed, not here.

It just goes to show you. You can hand someone everything, and they STILL wont succeed, unless they want it. All the "affirmative action" in the world hasnt helped anyone, unless they were willing to put in the work, and help themselves. Im sorry Libs, but its true. We've spent TRILLIONS on poor who are still poor. We see 3rd and 4th generation welfare cases. All the good will in the world will not help someone who wont help themselves. I can say this, because I know. I was a sucessful soldier. I wont say how successful, or in what way, because that would be seen as bragging. But I got out of the Army with PTSD I didnt know I had. I drank to deal with it ( self medication ) for 15 years, and became an alcoholic. No help in the world helped me until I was ready to help myself. And believe me, people tried, and eventually gave up on me, over and over again. Yes, I was even homeless for awhile, had run-ins with the law, the whole 9 yards. I eventually came to a place that we alcoholics call "sick and tired of being sick and tired". I found it within myself to pull myself up, dust myself off, and soldier on. I participate in AA, did PTSD counciling through the VA, and never touched a drop again. But I had to want to do it. NOONE could do it for me

To Give an idea of some of the problems, This past weekend on Sunday Night Foot Ball In Ameriac, Direct TV had the same Game shown on Two Different channels at the same time The Jets and New England. "The Seattle Se Halks" where I live is getting to be the worst NFL Foot Ball team that The Cardneles were back in the 60s and 70s. As well as The Seattle Ms, Base Ball team. Every year we sit there and watch these two teams do nothing If They are not up into competing as well as other teams depending on how they are doing They should have these teams play 3 to 4 Games of The Air and of The Raido to see if they in prove before they are put on Nantional TV.I am not saying they have to win every single game but at least get out of the bottom of tha barrel. If a team is doing very bad have that team take of two seanson instead of one pick another team that is having the same troubles give every body a chance to get over their injurys and the ability to compete to where they can at least be up in the play offs or have a shot at the super bowle. In stead of waiting unitl the 4th quarter to switch the quarter back have 4 quarter backs on stand by using 1 quarter back for each quarter of play with different plays it would help keep the games interested and focused, and save on injurys.

Condemning his mother for his faults? What is that? That's low my friend.

I'm sure you make a point to talk about people on a daily basis... so I won't expect any counterpoint to be valid.

SMH.

Ted's mother KNOWS him, and she was cautioning him. She understands much better than you do where his weaknesses lie. Do you remember he was telling the psychologist he needed a nerve pill? Do you understand he is one pill or one drink away from a relaspe? Hi smother understands this. She is the one who has worried and prayed for this man for years.

I felt good about his first video, the sincerity in his voice when he said he was clean 2 years... I wish this man the best but he needs a HUGE amount of guidance. He needs a keeper for awhile to keep him straight, or he needs to hang on to his tarp and sleeping bag because he will be right back where they found him. And that would be very sad indeed.

I wish this man the very best. And I wish he would listen to his mother and not disappoint her. And he needs to stay away from the media leeches that will wring him out and hang him out to dry. Take that Cav's offer of a job and a home, get someone there to support him that actually cares about him and that will keep his head straight. He is fragile. You can see that in him.

mn: you said it perfectly. Anyone who has been involved with an alky or drug addict has been let down so many times, it's like yelling wolf when the addict promises to "clean up his act."

Hubby has been sober by God's Grace & AA for almost 28 yrs. I know what that mother was saying.

wow, with a mom like that i would be homeless too. all that woman cares about is her shame, she does not care about her son at all. the first thing she said is "don't disapoint me" seems like she has been disapointing her son from childhood. pathetic....

We saw the same interview, and our impression was she was sooooo damned concerned and shamed about his having a sign begging where everyone could see it on TV and the internet, and not "Oh, thank god, he's alive and looks well!"

As for the fight with his daughter, there's a lot of hurt to go around to all parties. It will take time, and perhaps Mr. Williams should take his time and not force himself on his children and ex-wife. Open the door to them, but let them come in.

I'm guessing that now that dad has cleaned himself up, has some $$ and fame that the 9 (OMG . . . 9?) little darlings all want a piece of it . . . even though they probably didn't want anyting to do with him when he was on the street begging. Personally I'd stay away from the whole bunch . . . ex-wife & kids.

DamnedProNut Job - what a mean and ignorant thing to say! That's coming from a mother that has had to deal with a drug addict for 20 yrs. Drug addicts are worse than alcoholics because they have to be even more devious, sneaky and criminal to keep up their expensive habit. Chances are, he stole from his family as addicts usually do. You obviously know very little about drug addiction and behavior....and all this attention he's getting is the worst thing for a recovering addict!!

Agree, keep the mooches away. Stay with people who will encourage and don't have their hand out. Take time to work and save your money.

If you had had somoene who had OVER and OVER dissapointed you with drugs and drinking...a serious alcoholic or drug user you would understand. You do your best to help them, you pick them up (literally) from the floor, you visit them in mental hospitals, you hear the promises to change, you attend Al-Anon and they go to AA etc, you hope that it is changing...but then you begin to find the empty bottles again, the dissapearances for hours or even a day when they are binging, you find empty OTC drugs, then worse. You find something missing that was valuable...and you know you are back to the dark pit again. You go through this a dozen times or more...you give up...you have to, for your own sanity. They have to hit rock bottom, then they either wake up or....

But you are wary, you have been there before. Trust is earned, once lost it is hard to keep on giving it. If trust is lost a few times, it can never be fully given again.

Even is they do clean up (you hope) the paiin of what they did does not just go away. I forget which step that is in AA...but they have to truoy know what they did, and they have to make amends. (I think it is step 8).

I know, I loved a substance abuser for 15 years, I finally gave up...I know where they are now, I just cannot enter that dark place again. I had to move on.

Dude or whatever you are you are an idiot. The guys Mom is 92 years old, he's an ex drug addict of 20 years and an recovering alcoholic. The only thing he's done for most of his adult life is disappoint his mother. Man it's people like you that give leverage for selective breeding.

Really?? WOW

Frankly, it is true. Just because someone hits bottom doesn't mean they wont hit it again...and again...and again. Some people bounce like rubber balls and never seem to learn. It hurts the people that love them over and over and over. The trust is lost even if the love isn't so the hurt builds. What the mom said may have sounded really bad to us but I can't condemn her for saying it because none of us have any way of knowing how she feels. We don't know why she said it.

I agree that the media is feeding on this trying to make him into a modern Cinderella. I hope he has the strength to stay clean but only time will tell. The media is doing some nice things for him right now but it wont last. I am a Christian but even I know God will not save someone that doesn't have the strength to ask him for help. Mr. Williams will only get better and stay better if he himself wants to. If it was as simple as someone else praying for them there would be no alcoholics or drug addicts. It has to be their intention not ours. They have to want it bad enough to sacrifice the drugs and alcohol. Then can accept the help that is given to them.

DamnedProNutJob - I have to agree with you! After seeing the interview with him and his Mother on the Today show, i totally thought, that part of the reason that he might have become an addict is that he could never live up to his Mothers standards. I don't make excuses for him, he has control of his life and could very well have NOT become an addict even under those circumstances. I truely believe he needs to stay away from his Mother at least for the time being, because someone constantly tearing you down can drive you to an addiction, especially someone prone to it.

She did seem more concerned about herself and what other people thought than concerned about his well being. I'm sure she has been let down as many family members of an addict are...repeatedly....but who cares "how" he got this new found fame or fortune (the sign on the road disappointment and embarrasment), but be thankful that he has this new chance!

I thought he took being put down by his mother on national television very well, and seems that all he is looking for is approval from his mother.

I hope he gets the approval he wants, and I hope she can see past herself to give it to him

I cannot believe people are referring to his children (whom he did NOT help to support, by the way), mooches. Unbelieveable. Some of you obviously don't know much about what it takes to raise children. Blame the kids. Blame the ex-wife --- at least she stayed and raised the kids.

Your comments are harsh but there's some truth in them too. She needs to think about her son before herself, but she's been disappointed with him in the past. It's hard to love your children and find them in difficult situatios. A mother should never give up on her children, she should let him know she's there for him, not nag him, or throuw his past in his face with every sentence.

I so much agree with what you are saying I can see it all over his face when she mentions how he embarrassed the family with carrying the sign. At least he acknowledges what has happened to him and is trying to get back on his feet unlike all these other homeless people. It's a shame that that is the only thing that his mom can say where is the encouragement and the love. Yeah the best thing for him to do to stay clean is to stay away from his mom cuz all she is doing is tearing him down!!!!!

Diane - "a mother should never give up on her children."

But, the father can walk out on nine kids for 20 years. This man has a whole lot of karma waiting for him.

Unless you have had any background in dealing with drug or alcohol abuse you are right to seem like Ted's mom sounded harsh and cold. I unfortunately experienced a childhood full of empty promises from an alcoholic father. I also dealt with an additiction problem with a teen. My father's additction "equipped" me with all the deceit and tricks an addict will pull. How would you feel if you saw your child on the streets begging for food or mone?. I don't know any parent who would be proud of that. My guess she is in a place between hoping this time He's going to overcome and a place of guarding her heart against more pain and disappointment. You love your children no matter what. They bring immense joy but no one can cause your more pain or disappointment when they make devestating life altering decisions. Let's hope Ted finds the strength to hold on this time and make amends to all the people his addiction has hurt.

I had similar sentiments too when I saw the airing last week. I really felt sorry for him and wondered if she and his family were part of the reason he went to the streets years ago. It's hard for people in those type families to live up to certain expectations where you feel nothing you do is ever good enough. What rung out most was "their good family name" being destroyed. Not much love shown for her son.

I pray that he learns to live with the fact that God loves him unconditionally. Hopefully that will be enough to help him on his journey to recovery.

Pronutjob...sounds like you are the one with a few issues...hope you get it straightened out...

I agree. I thought the same thing watching that show. He had choices but often when nothing is good enough you do what you can...thus drink and drugs. When her first words after all those years were don't disappoint me again she made it about her...and the good family name.

If she was that devoted to God she would have seen that illegal sign as a sign that God used to help her son and bring about reconciliation. I know she has been disappointed but to say that before I love you, praise God you are sober.

My brother was on the street for about 8 years. When we saw him, we were a family and it didn't matter where he was we would just be together like a normal family would. And if I saw him begging I would not feel pride, but I would feel love and I would give him a hug and be happy to see him because he is my brother.

I have learned there are certain rules to dealing with an addict in the family. One is never lend or give money. It will only go towards the addiction. Two, never give them access to your house when you are not around. Addicts will do anything to get their next fix, even steal from a loved one. Three is most important, let them know they are loved and that the reason you do numbers 1 and 2 is because of the drug not because of them. They may get upset at the moment, but once they sober up they will be very grateful and so will you. My brother is now off the street and doing much better. He still drinks more than he should, but it doesn't affect him the way the other stuff did and it doesn't affect others as much either.

No mother turns her back on her child ... no matter what age her child is or what trouble her child is in. Her "reaction" to him after a 2 decade separation (and that she merely remembered as 10 yrs) says she was too busy with her church to bother to be his mother and didnt even know exactly how long it had been that she and he was apart. I have known parents, decades later, who still remembered their child's death.

They acknowledged the birthdays, special dates and set aside the date they buried their child for special memorial each year (both at mass and at home) ... and since he was their only child, they stopped celebrating Christmas thereafter. I was a young teen when they began ... my father's uncle and aunt over his cousin's death. For decades, there wasnt a day that went by that they didnt think and remember him ...

And this "christian" cant remember how long it has been since she last saw a child she gave birth to even though it has been decades. And this "christian" cant embrace her progeny out of love, at least for 5 minutes, before resorting to the bitch she probably was when he was a teen and turned to drugs. Instead of being a mother who was there for her child, she was a "christian", judging him and letting him know he was a sinner who would never be good enough for God ... or her ... without his total dedication to HER church.

I agree, I think the mom is evil!!! She cares more about apprearances than her son's well being. I hope Ted stays far away from her.

How can you say "be around loving people" and turn right back around and call his mother a B**ch?!

You Fool... Anybody that chose to live a life of drugs, thief, etc. does shame there parents. It shows no respect for there efforts to rise and guide them to be a decent citizen in a un-civil world abiding by the basic laws of morality.

that's what caught my attention- the psychology of alienation from his mother seemed a big possibilty because of her extreme criticism seemed really obvious. poor guy- hope he gets support to realize he has value to show up in life just as he is (no matter how embarrasing or aweful that may appear to his mother). He just wants "mommy" to love him for who he is deep down.

I agree with you. She definately seems like a source of stress....which can undoubtedly lead to a relapse. Meredith was trying to be gentle, but I could hear people all over the world saying "Shut the hell up, lady!" I got her message the first two times she said it....but she kept on and on and on....

You ppl have no idea what hell he may have bought her through with his years of addiction. It's just like the show Intervention. "Get it right, Buddy Boy or I will have to cut you off to save MYSELF. I am no longer allowing your addiction to bring me down, or worry me to death"....Ya know.....TOUGH LOVE!

But, I am so sure that you folks extol the virtues of that!

Geesh......

damnedpronutjob - you obviously don't know what it's like to be a relative of someone with a drug/alcohol probem. Sounds like the incensitive bitch is you.

I call that a wonderful caring loving mother and ted needs in his life to remind him someone loves him and expects the best from him lets not act like libreals and just "feel touch feely " this man needs a tough strong mother she didnt get to the age of 92 being a wimp.

All narcissists live to a ripe old age. It's all about them, how much they suffer, how they pray, etc... their kids are only seen as extensions of themselves.

This is going to sound ugly. I don't mean it to, but it is what it is. Mooches? His kids? Someone tell me how? He brought those kids into the world. By HIS OWN admission he was doing pretty well (watch the video). Then he got involved in drugs and alcohol and other things (spelled tail). He has paid no taxes for the last several years and you have no idea of the amount of money he has made "begging." Many news stories were reported of "beggars" getting into fancy cars when their "shift" was over. His mom repeatedly asked him to turn to God for help, so she saw him having troubles way before he was homeless. He just said good bye and walked away. His choice. His mom wanted nothing but the best for him, as most mothers do for their children. There is nothing evil about this woman. On the matter of addiction. Those involved with drugs have relapses 11 to 25 times in their lives, if they live that long. Now he has money. You can buy stuff with money, like alcohol and drugs. I'm not saying he will, but it wouldn't surprise me. Next issue. I am battling a drug addiction which is not of my doing. I had several back surgeries, all failures. The pain was very bad, mostly 8 out of 10 nearly every day. The pain has finally subsided a great deal, but getting off these pills is hell. There is no help for me. I won't be on the Tonight show or the Today show. I won't see Oprah or Dr. Phil. Actually, I won't get any help at all. One rehab doctor prescribed medicine that put me in the ER. Another doctor put me on something that caused me to pass out and hit my head. I called the next day and it took her office a week to call me back to check on me. I feel like hell every day. I am a military vet. I was a Combat Medic and did a bunch of other things. I am not tooting my own horn, I am just stating that because I was a tax-paying responsible parent, who served our country, I can't get any help. What does this man do? He does voice overs. God bless him. I've been to accident sites with blood and feathers all over the place. Worst of it is that I am a Christian, and God has decided to not intervene on my behalf. I have considered putting my 9mm in my mouth numerous times, just to end the pain. It's more about being in the right place at the right time. He OWES those kids child support. He OWES those moms child support. In his video when he met his mom, he struck me as putting on an act. I could be wrong. "Hi Mommy." He's 53! I have been attempting this rehab thing at home. This will be my 4th time. I am sick every day. You think Dr. Phil will come visit me? Maybe Matt Lauer? I doubt it. Yes, I am jealous. I can say I've done good by my family and others. But there are no contracts waiting my signature, no houses, no one looking to hire me. Only in America. I wish him the best, I truly do, but he does owe, and he needs to pay.

As a person with "words of affirmation" as one of my love languages I can tell you without a doubt any person with the same love language would be devastated when someone mentioned the shame they felt over their choices and to be told 'don't disappoint me' would send them into a tail spin.

You're showing your ignorance and inexperience as a parent of an adult child who is an addict. How can you pass such harsh judgement about someone you've only "seen" on televisions for less and speaking for less than 2 - 3 minutes. Shame on you!

From my experience and speaking as a mother, it takes a lot to harden a mother's heart. Every mother has and shares her child's dream for a happy and productive life. We are usually our children's biggest supporters, often hanging on long after others have given up. So, put yourself in her shoes for a moment and you'll see why she may seem cold and distant. She's in that "I'll believe it when I see it mode". Cut her a little slack because you haven't walked in her shoes.

The old bat was pushing 40 when she had him. While that's not unusual today, it sure was in 1957 when the avg age of marriage for a girl was 22. He was probably never wanted from the start & left to older sibs to raise. The only reason I'm here is b/c my God-fearing rosary-clutching never missed a Mass grandmother missed w/ the coat hanger on her unwanted youngest child (& yes I did hear that from her own lips). She was so involved in her church functions that her daughter (another disappointment, as the 1stborn should always be a son) was the mother to all her brothers & didn't dare get married herself until they were old enough to defend themselves from this bitch's abuse. Anyone who talks religion out of one side of their mouth while "trying to bring about a miscarriage" (call it the self-induced abortion attempt it was, coward) & abusing her unwanted kids is one crazy bitch. If this guy's mother's religious beliefs are more important to her than the children she brought into the world & obviously failed to care for properly, well, she's 92, she's not too far from going to Hell like she deserves.

His mother was just being honest. After a lifetime of drug and alcohol abuse it is certain that Mr Williams has dispointed many people including himself repeatedly. It may have seemed harsh to some but I believe it was said with love and hope. Mr Williams has to accept the consequences of his actions and take responsibility for his future. That will involve getting treatment and rebuilding the trust of others. His mothers words sounded like a plea to me not a condemnation. I hope that Mr Williams gets the help he needs and moves forward to a fulfilling life.

William's wife is legally blind but raised the children by her self. She and her cousins even took in five children that he had with other women while he was in his world of drugs( how is that for sacrifice). He would sometimes drop in at the holidays, but the lure of addiction was greater than the love of a family.

Think about that before you spout off that his family turned their backs on him.

The only thing that can tear a person down is themselves.

You can blame anything or anyone you like but ultimately we are all responsible for the condition of our own lives.

It truly is sad just how true your comment is. The media, and the "fans" as well, love to see this type of story. The push and prod to build a person up. Then they relish the entire time it is being destroyed.

In the frenzy to put out a "feel good" story the media didn't do any investigation into this man's life first, which is what they should have done. This was inevitable!!

What was inevitable? An argument with his family? Really?

Yes, Buck, really. Try making nine babies, walk out on them, and stay away for 20 years --- see how happy they'd be when you suddenly show up on their door step. If the man didn't check on his mother for 20 years, he sure as heck didn't check on his kids.

Kat is it? Who doesn't argue with family? Are you the one soul on earth who's never had an arguement with your mother or father? And I bet your parents did it all right and you still had fights, please KAT...get real!!

"The media will gladly build him up only to tear him down".

Exactly.

Buck - it was inevitable that the damage he had done to his loved ones by being a drug addict would eventually surface. You can't abandon a mother, wife and 9 children for 20 yrs. without inflicting a whole lot of pain and suffering on them. They can't just forgive him overnight because the media wants to turn this into a fairy tale ending.

Kat he didn't see his mom for around 10 years...she said that on tv. He talked to her on the telephone but always felt he was letting her down so stopped calling. You don't know his background. Maybe he was kicked out of the house and that exacerbated his problem.

Deadbeat dad? What about the losers with jobs and money not paying child support. they are probably waiting to see if he stays clean. Hopefully they will make up for lost time.

There is no such thing as "Child" Support. It doesn't ever go to the child.

Example: Guy doesn't pay for 5 years. Kid turns 18, and he pays the back amount. It does not go to the child. It is payable to the mother. Even if the kid doesn't live with mom anymore.

A more accurate title is "Parental" Support Payments.

@Ryan: No $hit. If a guy doesn't pay child support for 5 years, there's still someone paying for the food to put in the kid's stomach, electricity to heat the kid, a roof over the kid's head, clothes on the kid's back. And i guarantee you the amount the mom shells out over that five years will be MUCH greater than whatever pittance the dad has to pay back.

Sounds like someone owes some arrearages and likes to chime in with some child support BS any chance they get. SMH.

Ryan in Texas and bucadibethany - please don't tell me you really think like that! You can't be that cold and heartless. A man abandons his wife and 9 children because he's a drug addict that steals from people and the mother struggles to take care of her children all those years without him and that's all you can say? Do you have children? Do you know what it's like raising one child all by yourself let alone nine? Whoa...I'm speechless!

If she has custody, then are they really his kids?

Easiest way to solve the problem is to base payments on who has the kids. If you have them 90% of the time, you get to pay 90%.

After all, 90% of the expenses are on your watch. If you can't afford that, then request the child go to the father. Or that they be split 50-50.

For some reason, lawyers hate 50-50 splits. Where is the money in that for the legal system to get fat on?

Hey I'm all for going after dead beat dads. Of course we have to address the gender discrimination in Family Courts first. There's no way we have equal protection for both male parents and female parents. Check out the custody statistics.

Now as far as the courts controlling the lives of those who get handouts, OK. You should not have a cellphone, computer, or cable TV if you are on the dole.

If Gov't is going to reach into my pocket to pay for someone else's kids, then we should be able to control every purchase they make. Let's make sure the money is going to the kids.

you misunderstood me. i was disagreeing with ryan, saying its absolutely fair for a dad to pay back a mother after 5 years of not helping. she's the one providing for the kid, financially and emotionally. why shouldn't a father have to compensate her? like i said, child support is a pittance compared to the costs of being the one to raise a child

at 92 years old, i think mom knows best!

i have never walked a mile in her shoes.

think about it for a moment, she almost didn't live long enough to witness her son's redemption. i thought her saying that to ted was her way of saying, ''ok, but you need to stay on the straight and narrow. don't falter!"

but then, i always was a sap for a happy ending!

good luck to ted and his family!!

@ HMM: Inevitable for the fact they didn't care. The media was counting on all the dumbed down americans to just eat what they were shoveling out, as they always do. Nothing new here. Of course an educated citizen could have told them the guy may have big problems and they're wasting their time but that would have fallen on deaf ears. Their job isn't to help people, that's for doctors and psychologist in their opinion. They're just out to print a money making story, whether it be good or bad. What cracks people fall into after their story they could care less less about if it's not going to generate $$$. Life goes on and new stories to be printed.

Hey I'm all for going after dead beat dads. Of course we have to address the gender discrimination in Family Courts first. There's no way we have equal protection for both male parents and female parents. Check out the custody statistics.

Sounds like you just want to build a bigger & better fence & those child support payments are preventing you from doing that LOL

You sure had a good time making those babies, just b/c they no longer live w/ you doesn't mean they're not still 50% your responsibility. But in a way, you're correct, as 90% of the responsibility does fall on the custodial parent while whiny dad only pays out about 10% of it. If you think your pymt is so high & so unfair b/c you don't have custody, well, what's in your past that's stopping you from getting it? Then you can see what it's like to pay out the 90% & wait on the pittance, right?

Now as far as the courts controlling the lives of those who get handouts, OK. You should not have a cellphone, computer, or cable TV if you are on the dole.

As little as 30 yrs ago it was determined that owning a TV was no longer considered a "luxury" & therefore did not have to be sold if one applied for public assistance. This is b/c TV was not regarded as primarily entertainment as it seems to be now, but a source of information. How are ppl supposed to know if schls are closed for bad weather or if a tornado's coming w/o information? Let alone that push in the 70s for educational TV. It's not all ESPN. If you object to poor folk having to install cable, the time for that was when the digital transition was 1st proposed. Old TVs don't work w/o it. Heck, even my HDTV doesn't get all the channels it ought w/ just the digiantenna. It's not my fault technology marched on & I get less TV b/c I refuse to pay for cable to get channels that *should* be free, nor is it the fault of poor folk. And I rather think that's an exaggeration, as not many poor folk can afford these premium packages w/ 100s of channels that start at around $70/mo & up. Basic cable that enables an old TV to work nowadays is about $12/mo. If you still hate the notion, then go buy some poor folk the digital equipment needed so that cable isn't.

As far as computers & cell phones, some cell phones are cheaper than landlines. You want to tell me in Texas where your nearest neighbor might be miles away that y'all don't all have cell phones? And do you want the poor folk to job hunt & fill out applications for better jobs so that they're not hurting your tender taxed sensibilities anymore? Well, a computer is needed for that nowadays. No one does paper anymore, not even for applications. And you can watch DVDs & TV programs on a computer, too. Saves that pesky cable cost you hate so.

Really, Ryan....learn a new song to sing, this one's getting old.

How about Mickey Mantle??

Ty Cobb would be more appropriate

ty, mickey, ted, please leave these sports drunks out of it ,none of them are alive to react to these foolish comments. plus even though they were drunks none of them had the same problems as mr willams, race, prison, etc, etc . mr willams needs and should get help with his new found fame, weather it's dealing with money or his family life (or lack of).

Ted Williams gave up his baseball career to inlist during the Korean war you disrespectful A**! Oh, but Ted Williams the homless guy is the real hero... More misplaced, emotional, Crapolla!

I think his is a cautionary tale and worthy of note. Any of us could be tempted to wander down the wrong path and turn our life into a mess. We might think of him if we ever find ourselves having one drink too many, too often.

Mr. Williams is getting a second chance because of his speaking voice. Hopefully he won't make his earlier mistakes again.

Well I am not suprised he is in need of some level of medication. A week ago he was sleeping in the street and probably not getting proper nutrition. He is overwhelmed. He needs to take it easy, he probably needs time to regain his health.

when i heard him ask for a nerve pill, i wondered how many people working for the today show are on them themselves? valium, xanax or whatever, i guarantee more upper class people with insurance are on "nerve pills" of some sort than not.

Looks to me like someone in his family needed to be on birthcontrol pills....long, long ago.

Really. Who died and made you judge of this family?

How do you know "nerve pill" referred to a request for anti-anxiety meds? Maybe's he's got actual nerve damage & it was flaring up. That's not pleasant w/o medication to stop it. It's very painful. It feels like the affected nerve is on fire. That was the 1st thing that popped into my mind when I saw that, not Valium.

Me, too. I'd hate to see him throw away this chance.

Well spoken, I agree. He probably needs some meds to help with the mental issues going on inside his head.

I absolutely agree. I think it is a wonderful feel good story. I sincerely hope that a respectable person can serve as his "sponsor" to keep him on the straight and narrow. He is under the microscope of the nation. There are a lot of people out there that are ust chomping at the bit to ride his coattails to get some quick money and then laugh about it if he relapses. I really hope for the best for him.

I couldn't agree more. Being under so much attention would be difficult for anyone, especially someone who has struggled with addiction. Without help, I fear he'll end up right back on the street.

He's a big boy now, at least in his 50's. I cannot feel sorry for this guy or be concerned about him. You make your bed, then you lie in it.

Well said Tom
Stillworking.... would you say someone that has bi-polar disorder or is schizophrenic made his bed/deserves what he gets?
Addiction is a chemical disorder, as well as a psychiatric disorder. Some can take a drink(do a line, etc), and be fine. Another can take a drink, and like a light switch turning on have a life long problem.

You ever live with an achoholic or an addict. They will mess your life up and disspoint you over and over till you loose faith no matter who you are. That's not to say he can't change. But it will take alot of effort. You can't blame his mother. You obviously have no idea.

rude

Maybe rude, but true. I'd give him a few more months though. It's been less than 2 weeks, and he's only had the cops called on him once.

way to go buddy, you're a class act!

He has been clean for two years but often people don't know how to get back into the real world. Remember folks, the US is in the middle of a recession, so if educated good looking clean people can't even work at mickey d's, how was he supposed to get a job.

Dr. Phil will take care of it. :)

I do know from 17yrs. old to 26, that a drug addicts life is hard to get away from. It takes a bulldozer of stubborn to stay away. I don't believe he has been clean and sober for the entire 2 yrs. that he says. Throw all this limelight and confusion on him and he will likely get a thirst for it again. I for one, am very proud of myself. I'm 58 now, not dead or still on the streets. It CAN be done. Good Luck, Ted

Brooke, By the way, Are you blonde?

You needed to hear about his life before so now you get to hear about the fall from grace. This is all about exposure.....reality TV type garbage.

Why do you say that? Are you lonely out there?

David Masters you are truly a person with no love in your heart. Can you not simply wish him the best, instead of hovering in anticipation of a fall. Will you be only satisfied if he does not make it.

Cynics have no faith in others nor do they look for good. Thus cynical. David, I hope you are proven wrong but if not, such is life.

He was living on the streets and an addict. So the issues part is already figured out and known. Now they are telling us that he has a fault in a shocked kind of way. The media is pretty bad in that way. They will milk this story for a long time.

Before the drugs, he was a successful human being, after the drugs it all went wrong. I don't see a mental issue, I see a drug issues that has been resolved (for the most part)

The radio industry in particular - especially during the 1980's has this party aspect to it. The popularity of the DJ is associated with women, fast cars and drugs. He has articulated this from the very beginning that he started using powder cocaine (probably with colleagues) and it spiraled into the Crack which is not so glamorous or acceptable. He obviously burned bridges, however the public humiliation of his mother's lack of trust and folks talking about him (with him in the room) as though he is an irresponsible teen does not help build his ego strength or focus on his strengths, resilience and desire to experience success in a healthy manner. I hope and pray he is presented with a TEAM of experts who will help just because it will be ethical and right and not for any monetary gain or notariety!

If his children have forgiven him (and they have) why do you feel the need to continue to live in the past?

His children have forgiven him? Did you bother to read the article? He got the cops called on him for arguing with them. Doesn't sound like a kumbaya-fest to me.

Knight, The man has already been offered a job by a Network, he does not need Oprah to offer him one. A lots of mother's take care of their children on their own because they don't want a druggie around them. It doesn't hurt one to work two or three jobs, and the little assistance you can get from "Welfare" does not go far. The crap that some people hand out about welfare especially if blacks are involved, is a lot of Bull-@!$%#. I've worked for DHR for years, and we don't make your living, we assist you in helping yourself. The largest recipients of Welfare are not blacks, the media just doesn't print that, Blacks made up only 12% of our population so there is no way they could be the majority, as for having babies, in my line work they are behind, but there too the media does not print that. The news media belongs to us, so why wouldn't we try to make every other race look bad, so we can be superior?? Everyone should read, and look up facts, otherwise, shame on the ones who don't.

It really dosen't matter if he's black, white or purple. Some woman procreated with Ted at least nine times. I'm just saying, after the first 2 or 3 couldn't the ex take steps not to get pregnant??? I am really glad this guy is getting into a formal rehab program. He'll at least have a chance.

William's wife is legally blind but raised the children by her self. She and her cousins even took in five children that he had with other women while he was in his world of drugs( how is that for sacrifice). He would sometimes drop in at the holidays, but the lure of addiction was greater than the love of a family.

Think about that before you spout off that his family turned their backs on him.

Breathing room? This is when the media strike to make their money.

Agree.

rude

No it isn't rude, it's called the truth.

That is totally heartless. Everyone deserves a second chance. What is your great contribution to society? Beating a man who has ben beaten almost half his life? If you can't say something good for the man, keep you d--n piehole shut!!

pound sand. I can say whatever I want, we have to read your senseless lame BS. It's called freedom of speech.

If you don't like it then go stick your head back in your catbox where it belongs. You have no sense of reality.

ru4reel

REALLY?

I agree with ru4reel. I think most of us would like to see him make it, but the sad truth is he is being set up for a real fall. He's been famous now for less than 2 weeks, and he's already had the cops called on him. Figure it out for yourself.

I think it's funny how many people know "the truth" before it even happens. with so many success stories out there to reference, you're so damn sure this guy will relapse. Who's to say that he didn't call the cops on his daughter?

"You can take the gangster off the street....but not the streets from the gangster".

I'm guessing he has been on the streets long enough to have been mentally affected by a variety of issues. To have thrust fame upon him in such a manner will likely be hard for him to adapt to. He needs some time to "get with the program" of being around "normal people", and his family needs to give him space and time to adapt.

From the pressure of the media and family, I would want to start drinking again....and try some of the little blue pills.....

.

Ya Brooke, REALLY

Catbox, huh? Is this where you have keeping yourself? Give the guy a chance, whether he deservers it or not is not our call. He has alot of catching up to do, I for for one, pray he makes it.

ru4reel

look in the mirror pal

ru4real. please, just do away. maybe alaska? seems like a logical place for you!

they are in the dark for 1/2 the year, and elected a she-devil for governor. whose parenting skills aren't top notch, either, i might add.

ric, that is all poor Ted needs is the she-devil nancy dis-grace on his ass!

he would then have less than a zero% chance of making it.

Did this former wife of his not know he was an alcoholic/addict?? If so, why'd she keep popping out kids?? I hope this guy will take this rehab and make it work for him!

Tiz - you obviously know nothing about drug and alcohol addiction. This is not a story about a homeless man that couldn't find a job and make a living to support him and his family....this story is about a man that became homeless because he was a drug addict for 20 yrs. and abandoned his mother, wife and children. The media was just too quick in trying to create a fairy tale that doesn't exist and didn't do any investigation into the back story before they hyped this all up!

Being a racist means you are not a nice guy either.

rude

U must be white because u sound like a racist, a credit to his race, who say's @!$%# like that, give the man a chance, if he messes up then that's something he has to live with.

Joe, I believe you're close....the more I read about this man, the more my friend & I are justifying the whole mess being 'STAGED'. Do some more weighing in; pros and cons on the man's instant fame.

OMG, spare me!!! are you serious? the world DID NOT leave him homeless, HE left himself homeless.

wake up numskull

Wayne....I am a Christian but that is a bit weird. I am happy for anyone that sees the light but this world didn't make him homeless.

Joe,

I meant the world of men, not of Christ. Who can say what brings anyone to just give up. I pray he is sincere.

Well, HE says he was sober for two years.

A totally good idea to go into rehab. Decades of substance combined with sudden fame and the opportunity for lots of money. That is potentially a powderkeg as a combination. Far better to check into rehab and group oneself together. Best of luck to you sir, what a golden opportunity for someone down on their luck due to the enslaving haze of substance abuse. 12 step programs abound after rehab. I hope he stays close to them.