Mark Wahlberg acquires movie rights to Caron Butler's memoir
Caron Butler's unique, gritty, improbable, inspiring life story may soon find its way onto the big screen.
The 14-year NBA vet has agreed to terms on a movie rights deal for his memoir, "Tuff Juice: My Journey from the Streets to the NBA," with actor/producer Mark Wahlberg.
Butler's book chronicles his rough childhood in Racine, Wis., where he was selling drugs as early as the age of 11, and was arrested multiple times as a young teenager before finding an escape through basketball.
He's gone on to enjoy an 873-game (and counting) NBA career, featuring two All-Star appearances (both with the Washington Wizards), a championship (with the Dallas Mavericks), and an estimated $82 million in salary earnings. The 35-year-old swingman currently plays for the Sacramento Kings.
"I wanted to tell my story because I'm living proof that it is possible to overcome adversity and make a better life for yourself and your family," Butler said. "The response from the book was overwhelming and when someone like Mark Wahlberg tells you that your life could be a movie, you listen.
"I'm excited to take the next step towards sharing my story with an even larger audience and it's a blessing to have someone as well-known and respected as Mark Wahlberg by my side."
Butler and Wahlberg met and became friends while Butler was playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011.
Wahlberg called Butler "a perfect example to all the young kids growing up in tough neighborhoods to never give up on your dreams."