Education, not speculation

As someone who’s lived the consequences, Stevin ‘Hedake Smith’ believes the solution lies in education — not speculation.

By Stevin ‘Hedake’ Smith

Recent headlines around gambling integrity and the NBA have moved me to speak. I have lived this before. I have received the same knock on my door others did this week.

Integrity in sport is non-negotiable. Understood. Speculation helps no one. My experience says education is the way forward.

In my work for EPIC Global Solutions, I share my story across the country with student-athletes, coaches, and administrators with one message:

“I had to be smart. So that you can be wise.”

As the new NBA season begins, this week’s events overshadow what we love about sport, replacing excellence and community with distraction and doubt.

Leaders across professional, intercollegiate, and even youth athletics, the time to prioritize gambling harm prevention education is now. Athletes and sport cultures must understand the risks to be intentional with their choices.

Do not wait for enforcement to become scandal. Education is a far better investment than crisis management.

A mentor taught me a smart person is someone who has to learn everything, good and bad, for themselves. A wise person is someone who can learn from others.

30 years ago, I had to be smart. Today, my mission is sharing my story so that others can be wise.

Education is the way.

As an EPIC US Sport Advisor, Stevin channels his lived experience associated with his pointing shaving scandal with Arizona State basketball. He now plays a key role in EPIC’s educational engagement with both pro and collegiate athletes, with details of our NCAA program – and how to book a session for your college – available here via our NCAA section.