Former Bulls star Van Lier says Mantle situation spurred him into rehab

Jet, August 14, 1995

Former Chicago Bulls star guard Norm Van Lier recently admitted to spending four weeks in a drug and alcohol abuse clinic this summer, saying that baseball great Mickey Mantle's well-publicized liver problems was a deciding factor in his seeking help at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, CA.

Van Lier credits his wife, Susan, his employers at a local radio station and the Mantle situation with inspiring him to quit drinking alcohol.

Van Lier, 48, who is second only to Michael Jordan for career assists on the Bulls, said in the Chicago Tribune, "...When Mickey Mantle went through his problems (needing a liver transplant), it just spurred me on."

Van Lier said he took care of himself during his basketball career and didn't drink, but upon his retirement the local radio sports commentator said he began to drink heavily.

Following a serious back injury in 1973, Van Lier said he was also addicted to quaaludes from 1973 to 1979 until NBA coach Don Nelson helped him kick that habit.