The latest chapter of Ryan Leaf’s turbulent, depressing demise takes place in a Montana courtroom, where he faced sentencing on recent burglary and drug possession charges. The former No. 2 overall pick of the San Diego Chargers has been categorized as the biggest bust in NFL history. Put aside his failures on the field and understand the struggles that he has gone through off-the-field in his battle with addiction. It truly is sad to see how such a promising athlete coming out of college can take such a dark path and end up where he is today.

It’s what Ryan Leaf said to the judge that was responsible for determining his fate that gives you goosebumps. He appears broken and hopeless as he pleads to the judge for jail time. According to the LA Times Leaf said.

“I’m lazy, dishonest and selfish…”

“They believe I’ve held them for ransom for 36 years, and I don’t understand why I should have to do that any more,” (Speaking about his parents.)

Leaf went on to explain to the judge why jail time would be in his best interest, by saying.

“Five to 10 years of Ryan-free drama for my family, this community – particularly for this nation – would be pure bliss for people.”

In the end, Leaf was sentenced to nine months in a drug treatment facility, immediately followed by a six month sentence to a pre-release center. Although Leaf wasn’t given what he wanted, the judge did him a favor by not sending him to jail. Instead, he showed a little faith in what appears to be a ‘final chance’ for Leaf. We can only hope that Leaf can pick up the pieces and get his life back on track during his rehabilitation.