Tuff Juice

My Journey from the Streets to the NBA

By: Caron Butler, Steve Springer, Kobe Bryant - foreword

Narrated by: David Sadzin

Two-time All-Star and 13-year NBA veteran Caron Butler has an impressive basketball record. He was Big East Co-Player of the Year at UConn, the 10th overall pick of the 2002 NBA Draft and a key player for the Dallas Mavericks in their championship-winning season in 2011.

But before Butler had a chance to prove himself on the court, he spent his time trying to prove himself on the streets, as a gang member and drug dealer in his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin. He saw friends gunned down in the bloody street wars near his home, was arrested nearly 15 times, and wound up behind bars and in solitary confinement before his 15th birthday.

Tuff Juice shares Caron Butler's extraordinary journey from his delinquent youth in the streets of Racine to his role as an accomplished pro basketball player, dedicated husband and father, active philanthropist and burgeoning businessman. Along the way, the book explores the incredible impact his single mother's unconditional love and his college coach's unwavering support had on him, and what drives him to be so successful in basketball and in life.

©2016 Caron Butler and Steve Springer (P)2020 Tantor

Incredible story!

Tuff Juice is an incredible story. That’s one hard life to turn around and it was a REALLY HARD book to get through because the narrator was so awful, it sounds like he’s just learning how to read. Pretty bad but I pushed through it because Caron Butlers story is worth being heard. I really hope Wahlberg turns it into a movie.

some stories need to be told

Caron butler is a man that has looked in the mirror and had the uncomfortable conversations with the only person that knows his own truth, and then he went and put his truth is a black.

as a black man, we are taught from a very early age about a system that is in place that by most part his set up against us. however, for those who make it out of our tough neighborhoods and get to a position to help others, we understand out position in life, and through the power of story and example, we share because we care and Mr. Butler did just that.

May grandfather told me when I was growing up " When you get to a position that you can bring someone else along with, it is your duty to do so. Mt grandfather also said, he did not mind giving you a hand, but do expect him to haul you around your whole life...Reach one, Teach one.

I share a common purpose with Mr. Butler and this story, those all of our lives are bonded by our choices and those choices are supported by our actions.

if your life look anything like Mr. Caron Butler life growing up and you have a gun in your hand, keep in mind, life is bigger than the fast money you can make out on the street, replace a life that will only end with death and destruction, with a life with direction and purpose.

For a young black man out on the streets, note this, best way to keep a secret is to put it in a book.

this is Kevin Mclemore, author of "the indispensable game of X' and O's....how I learned everything I'd ever needed to know about life by playing high school football. Mr. Butler, I know you life, I hope yout book is now in the hand of a child who's life has just changed because of your story...

This is a must read for all.

Inspiring

An amazing story! I’ve always been a big fan of Caron Butler but, to understand his life story is beyond inspiring. What an amazing person and driven individual! Thank you for sharing your life story Tuff Juice!
-Tobin

Excellent

this book provides a glimpse into the life of a young inner city kid who goes from being a drug dealer to a successful athlete, businessman, and philanthropist. It helps to understand the thought processes that were involved in each stage in his life, which is beneficial for just about anybody to see the transformation.

It's not where you start but where your finish

Powerful testimony about staying the course and redemption. Caron never gave up on himself and had some good people that helped the ball bounce the right way for him. You can see he was morally sound which allowed him to overcome early mistakes. Great player and great guy. Good read!

AMAZING

This book is great for any and all basketball fans. The struggles and the excitement is amazing
10/10😁