Baby Daddy

Spider was diagnosed with a severe case of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He was 18 at the time of his diagnosis. Had it not been for basketball, Spider would have never been tested. After pulling off a D in our lowest level math class for the second straight semester, I reluctantly asked Spider if he had any learning challenges. That has always been a difficult conversation to have with guys because it's such a sensitive topic. To Spider's credit, he requested to be tested by his Physician. That decision allowed Spider to turn the corner academically in a big way.

After the diagnosis, Spider's grade point average (GPA) went from a .5 to a 2.26. He graduated from high school with a GPA below 2.0 (75). On the surface, one would assume that Spider benefited from the accommodations that students with ADHD generally receive--like extended time on quizzes and tests, or testing in rooms with less distraction. On the contrary, Spider never followed through on anything his Physician prescribed. As a matter of fact, he never even popped a pill to focus better in class.

Essentially, the combination of being able to play basketball and reduce his course-load lead to Spider's academic renaissance. Prior to the diagnosis, Spider was ineligible to participate. The ADHD discovery allowed him to get on the court. There was one additional piece that really helped Spider. Through a provision in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) by-laws, student-athletes who furnish proof of a learning disability are able to take two classes instead of the required four to play a sport.  It also helped that I checked in with Spider regularly, but he performed remarkably better without any change to his academic routine.

Post-diagnosis, he continued to struggle with organization and paying attention. He still exhibited the immature signs that his Physician explained were symptomatic of ADHD. Once the season ended, his grades slipped. Actually, the regression started a few weeks before the season ended. Not only did Spider fall behind in his classes, he also started showing up late to practice on a regular basis. Each time there was a different excuse. I let him slide a few times since he claimed to be having car issues.

After the fifth car episode, I decided to meet with him after practice. We had a stretch of three games in three nights coming up and I didn't want to suspend him. Two wins would have given us home court advantage for the tournament's play-in round. I had a dilemma on my hands.


Me: Can you tell me why I shouldn't suspend you for the next game? You've been late for the last five practices!
Spider: What you want me to do? I been havin' car problems.
Me: You broke the key while opening the trunk a day after your tire blew out? That seems a little questionable.
Spider: (silence)
Me: So, were you lying about that?
Spider: Coach, really, I have a lot going on. I'm just trying to help us get to the tournament. Please don't suspend me. 
Me: What's going on? 
Spider: Stuff, man. Stuff.
Me: Try me.
Spider: My girl is six months pregnant.