How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America: Essays

During an interview with the young basketball player D’Andre Brown, Laymon reminds him that, despite recently winning a game, he still needs to make other plans. Basketball, after all, might not work out. Brown mocks him, asking if Laymon will next tell him to pull up his pants or take off his hoodie.

Brown and Laymon met in the gym at Vassar College in the summer of 2003. Brown was 16. He and Laymon played basketball together. Brown told Laymon that he would play in the NBA. Before entering 10th grade, Brown stole a cell phone from a cheerleader. He was arrested and his coach kicked him off the team. The following summer, Brown attended Our Savior New American School in New York City after a coach saw him play at the Stony Brook basketball camp. There, he played against players for the first time who were better than he. Still, Brown contributed significantly to his team and played well. He admits now that his attitude held him back. He assumed he was better than everyone and never allowed himself to be coached. He ended up leaving Our Savior for Christian Missionary & Industrial School in Jackson, Mississippi.