Mike Scott spoke publicly Monday for the first time since his arrest this summer on felony drug charges. The Hawks forward refused to discuss details of the case but said the gym has been a sanctuary during the past few difficult months.
“I just come in every day and compete,” Scott said at Hawks media day in preparation for training camp. “Joke around and laugh with my teammates. This is kind of been my sanctuary for the summer. I come into the gym and work hard and put everything behind me. Then when in I get back to the locker room I’ll look at my phone and I’ll be ‘Oh, right. I forgot.’ Coming into the gym every day, working out with my teammates, is something that has been great for me.”
Scott faces two felony drug charges after he was arrested July 30 following a traffic stop along I-85 in Homer. A court date is pending as the Banks County district attorney is awaiting independent drug tests. Scott faces up to 25 years in prison on the charges after he admitted to possessing 35.2 grams of marijuana and 10.9 grams of Schedule I drug MDMA, known as Molly. The charge on the MDMA carries a sentence of up to 15 years. The charge on the marijuana carries a sentence of up to 10 years, according to Georgia statutes.
Scott acknowledged Monday that he embarrassed the Hawks organization.
“I don’t like to make other people look bad,” Scott said. “I don’t like to embarrass people. I don’t want to feel embarrassed. I thought it made us look bad a little bit. I take full responsibility for that. Moving on.”
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said last week that he has had several conversations with Scott and said his “mental focus and preparedness for the season is in a really good place.”
Scott said he doesn’t believe the incident will affect how Hawks management, coaches and teammates feel about him.
“I’ve spoken to Coach Bud plenty of times,” Scott said. “Actually, it’s crazy, through the summer we’ve become a lot more closer. As far as impressions, I think they know the real me and who I am.”
Concerning the public scrutiny of the incident, Scott said “All the shots that have been taken at me are fine. I have tough skin.”
About the Author
