Ex-basketball phenom roams Hollywood streets

Lewis Brown played high school ball for Verbum Dei and starred for the UNLV team in Las Vegas. The 6-11 former center has been living on the streets of Los Angeles for ten years. From the New York Times:

Mr. Brown said he was satisfied with the life he had, even as he lamented the life that could have been. He is fine living on a sidewalk, but would not permit a photographer to take pictures of where he sleeps. “I’m at peace with myself,” he said. “This ain’t no whining and crying story, you understand. You will see that I have a life. You will see that I have friends who love me.”

And yes, as Mr. Brown walks the streets, he is embraced by the people who have heard his stories, again and again, and give him work, money and food. He is remembered by the Filipinos who saw him play in the Philippines after he failed to break into the pros. He is appreciated by business owners who once tried to chase him off their property. “He’s the caretaker of the neighborhood,” said John Pienta, the manager of a production studio.