BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford CHAMPS program recently hosted Stevin "Hedake" Smith who spoke to student-athletes about his personal gambling experience and how his faith helped him through his journey.
 
The event was held October 16 and 17. We would like to thank the NCAA and EPIC Global Solutions for providing this opportunity for Samford's student-athletes. A special thanks also goes to Jimmy John's and Dunkin' for providing food for the event.
 
The NCAA has partnered with EPIC Global Solutions to offer gambling awareness and education sessions to schools led by facilitators who have lived the experience of gambling related harm. EPIC Global Solutions is a professional services organization preventing gambling harm through awareness and training.
 
Smith, a former point guard, made his name as a star player at Arizona State University in the early 1990s, setting college records for three-point attempts and being a two-time All-Pac-10 selection. However, his involvement in point-shaving – which was the subject of a 2021 Netflix documentary – led to a one-year prison sentence and impacted an NBA career with hometown team, Dallas Mavericks.
 
Below are quotes from Samford student-athletes, coaches and staff who attended the session.
 
Taylor Kuehn, Men's Golf:
"I really enjoyed getting to listen to Stevin "Hedake" Smith's talk. I know many people who struggle with gambling addiction and truly understand the effects it can have on your life gives me a new perspective on the whole situation. Getting to see someone firsthand who made the mistake of turning to gambling and seeing how his life got flipped upside down really shows you how dangerous addiction can really be."
 
 
Mitchell Owen, Football:
"Mr. Stevin "Hedake" Smith was incredible! The thing that stood out to me most was his ability to connect with his audience so authentically. His testimony is so real - you could feel the impact he's having on sharing his story. He truly is living his life with a purpose, driven by his relationship with Christ… it was a true privilege to hear him speak."
 
JeNorri Armstead, Senior Associate AD for Internal Affairs:
"I am very thankful that we had the opportunity to have Stevin on campus to share his story.  It was raw! It was real! It was impactful! It is such a blessing that he can travel to speak to other student-athletes about his experience and how they can learn and grow from what he went through. Stevin is truly using this platform that God has given him to be a light to everyone that he meets."
 
Carley Kuhns, Head Women's Basketball Coach:
"What a unique opportunity to hear Stevin speak in person today. Lessons are always more powerful with stories and to hear Stevin's testimony and life story and be also able to relate it to what these kids are going through today was an important message. We are grateful for his vulnerability, sense of humor and willingness to engage with our staff and players. My favorite quote he said was: All it takes is all you got… if you won't give all you got, then you don't have what it takes!"
 
Dontae Pollard, Football:
"I enjoyed listening to Stevin "Hedake" Smith talking about his journey and hardships he faced in life and also enjoyed the more interesting part how he has worked and is working on being a better man moving forward with God! Overall, it was a very interactive & educational experience and I'm glad I attended"
 
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