NAMES IN THE NEWS : Coach Admits Cocaine Use

Cleveland State University basketball Coach Kevin Mackey said today he has lived two lives, one as a public figure and family man, the other as an alcohol and drug abuser.

Speaking at a news conference with his lawyer and family members at his side, Mackey said he has been a cocaine user for about three years.

“This has been a tremendously difficult time for me,” Mackey said. “I think if there’s a title it can be described as ‘The Descent Into Hell.’ I have a problem with alcohol. I have a problem with drugs.

”. . . I led two lives. I was totally out of control. It started with the alcohol and it led to drugs. My wife is a saint. She lived with a devil.”

His lawyer, David Roth, said he will ask Cleveland State officials to grant Mackey a medical leave of absence.

Mackey pleaded innocent Monday to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. Police said they arrested him Friday night when they saw him leave a suspected drug house with a woman, enter his car and drive erratically.