Glen "Big Baby" Davis gets emotional during speech | Business

Glen "Big Baby" Davis lived up to his name this afternoon. Speaking to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on Wednesday, July 20,  he got emotional while talking about how blessed his life has been.

"I was one of the lucky ones," said Davis as his voice trailed off and the tears came rolling down his cheeks.  He got his nickname as a child because he cried  alot while playing sports. "...But I didn't make it alone."

He thanked his mentors and coaches for helping him become a successful professional athlete, composed himself and continued on with his speech.

The Boston Celtics player, former LSU star, and Baton Rouge native was in town to help promote his literacy program with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. The rotary club was one of a number of personal appearances -including visits to the various library branches-- across the city.

Davis spoke about growing up in Baton Rouge, how much he loved playing for the Celtics, how much he admired his teammates, and how difficult it was being raised by a single mother.

"I had to grow up fast," he said.  "My message is that anything is possible.  " I am an example. Stay in school, get an education and stay out of trouble and you can make it. These are all the baby steps in life."  

He told the crowd full of rotarians and special guests that he once struggled with reading.  That's why he chose it as his platform. 

"I want to give (the kids)  hope. I want to encourage them," He says.

Before he started, he acknowledged he was a bit nervous because of the club's prestige and all the other speakers that had gone before him.

But In the end, he didn't disappoint.