In a television interview with Spanish-language network Univision, Oscar De La Hoya was candid about drugs, alcohol, extra-marital sex and thoughts of suicide.
De La Hoya entered rehab in May 2011 for treatment of substance abuse. In the days prior to this decision, he tweeted, “Take a deep breathe and let out all that anger that makes you hate. It really is going to be o.k. Stop finding excuses not to live. Life is controlled by what you make of it and not what it makes of you.”
Sober for the past three months, the former boxing champion let down his guard and talked about his demons. He admits that he recently “hit rock bottom” and seriously considered ending his own life.
De La Hoya married Millie Corretjer in 2001. They have two children, and he also has a daughter with Shanna Moakler.
The Mexican-American athlete admitted that he was unfaithful to his wife, a fact that caused them to separate for a time. De La Hoya quantified it, “We are obviously not talking a Tiger Woods here, but I was unfaithful.”
In speaking of his addiction issues, he admitted, “There were drugs, my drug of choice was cocaine and alcohol… I depended more on the alcohol than the cocaine. It took me to a place where I felt safe.”
In late 2007, photographs featuring De La Hoya cross-dressed and in the company of Mila Dravnel hit the Internet. He later discovered that the woman pictured with him had sold the photos.
Dravnel sued the athlete for slander when he alleged that the images were fake. She eventually dropped the lawsuit when it was determined that the pictures had been digitally altered.
De La Hoya had a boxing record of 39-6, held several championship belts, and won an Olympic gold medal in 1992. He retired in 2009 after a 16-year career.
View De La Hoya family photo below:
Photo: WENN