A former NBA lottery pick, Sebastian Telfair, is speaking out for the first time since his release from federal prison, offering a rare glimpse into life behind bars, and what it was like sharing that experience with music mogul Sean Combs, ‘Diddy’.
Telfair, 40, was recently released from FCI Fort Dix, the same facility where Combs is currently incarcerated. In an interview with TMZ, the former NBA guard described the emotional challenge of going from a life of fame and financial success to confinement, but admitted it likely hit Diddy even harder.
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Telfair and Combs, two cautionary tales
According to Telfair, prison life was a stark adjustment, especially for individuals accustomed to luxury and freedom. “It was rough for me,” he explained, adding that he couldn’t imagine how Combs must have felt given his decades-long “rock star” lifestyle. Still, Telfair emphasized that the Bad Boy Records co-founder has managed to keep his head up and adapt to the environment.
Diddy’s holding it down,” “He’s doing what he gotta do.
The ex-NBA player mentioned.
elfair noted that while incarceration is never easy, the structure and time for reflection could ultimately be beneficial. In his view, the forced pause from nonstop partying and excess might allow Combs to reset mentally and physically.
Combs is currently serving time related to violations of the Mann Act, while Telfair’s sentence stemmed from violating the terms of his supervised release in connection with a healthcare fraud case. Now free, Telfair said the moment he reunited with his children was overwhelming-a reminder of what truly matters beyond fame or money.
A fresh start for Telfair
While his NBA career is long behind him, Telfair made it clear he’s not done with basketball. He revealed that he has already signed a contract with Big3, the popular 3-on-3 league founded by Ice Cube.
No one knows this yet, but the contract is signed.
The ex- Thunder player revealed. “I’m coming for the MVP.”
The announcement is a new adventure for the former high school phenom, who was once hailed as the future of New York City basketball. After years marked by legal troubles and missed opportunities, Telfair appears determined to have a new life thanks to a perspective gained the hard way.
His comments about Combs also struck a different tone than the usual headlines. Rather than judgment or speculation, Telfair offered a grounded, human view of incarceration: a place that strips away status and forces one into a new reality.
As Diddy continues serving his sentence and Telfair looks ahead to a professional comeback, their shared time at Fort Dix just headlines a common truth, no matter how high you are, prison reduces everyone to the same reality. For Combs, it may be a turning point still unfolding.
