Seahawks Choose Ex-Player To Head Alcohol Rehab Effort

Bob Newton, a former Seattle Seahawk, whose career was cut short by substance abuse, has rejoined the team - to administer an alcohol education and counseling program.

“I think he has an instant rapport with our players and with our staff because of his closeness to the organization,” Seahawks president David Behring said at a news conference to announce the program.

“He hit rock bottom and he has brought himself up,” Behring said.

Newton left the team in 1982, his career cut short by years of substance abuse.

The former guard works for Lakeside-Milam Recovery Center in Issaquah, Wash. He will supervise two mandatory 3-hour sessions for coaches and front-office personnel and will be available for counseling if needed.

Although he will be available to discuss problems with players, he must do so within the guidelines of the league’s agreement with the players’ union.

Behring decided a program was needed after the Dec. 1 car accident that left defensive tackle Mike Frier paralyzed. In addition, coach Dennis Erickson was arrested April 15 for driving while intoxicated.

Newton started drinking at 15, smoking marijuana at 16 and using cocaine at 23.

“I majored in football and minored in partying,” he has said.

He played 11 seasons in the NFL, the first five with the Chicago Bears. He joined the expansion Seahawks in 1976.

Then, on Jan. 13, 1983, Newton was involved in a three-car accident and went into alcohol treatment.

“I applied my competitiveness to staying sober. I looked at alcohol as my opponent,” he said.