DeMarcus Cousins, the former NBA star known for his dominant presence on the court, recently shared a deeply personal story about his time with the Sacramento Kings during an appearance on “The Draymond Green Show.” In this candid interview, Cousins revealed that his biggest regret in his NBA career revolves around his tumultuous relationship with a local reporter named Andy Ferrillo.
Cousins’ tenure with the Kings was marked by both his impressive individual performances and the team’s struggles. Despite his efforts, the Kings failed to make the playoffs during his time there, which was a significant source of frustration for him. However, it was his interactions with Ferrillo that left a lasting impact on Cousins.
During the interview, Cousins recounted how Ferrillo’s relentless negative coverage exacerbated his personal struggles. At the time, Cousins was dealing with family issues, including a situation involving his brother. He felt that Ferrillo’s articles were not just critical of his performance on the court but also targeted his personal life.
“I was dealing with some family things back home, and my brother had a situation of his own,” Cousins shared. “This reporter, Andy Ferrillo, just made it his mission to give me hit piece after hit piece”.
Cousins felt that Ferrillo’s coverage was part of a broader campaign to push him out of Sacramento, which only added to his stress and frustration.
Looking back, Cousins acknowledged that he could have handled the situation differently.
“At the end of the day, looking back on it, I was raised better. You know, I was raised to respect my elders. So I definitely pressed that old man a little too hard,” he admitted.
Cousins’ story highlights the significant impact that media scrutiny can have on an athlete’s mental health and well-being. The constant negative attention not only affected his professional life but also took a toll on his personal life. This experience underscores the importance of mental resilience and the need for athletes to have support systems in place to navigate such challenges.
After leaving the Kings in 2017, Cousins’ career saw him play for several other teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers.
