SALT LAKE CITY — Nick Emery took it on, all by himself. That was his big mistake. Being a BYU basketball player and a campus celebrity. Punching an opponent. Getting divorced. Triggering an NCAA investigation.
Eventually, there was a suicide attempt.
He now says support from loved ones and getting mental health counseling brought him to where he is today, starting a new life. If he’s wise, it will be a safe distance from BYU athletics, so he can work on being something beyond a former basketball star.
On Tuesday, Emery announced he is retiring, leaving his final season on the table.