Former defensive all-pro Redskin Dexter Manley told students at Warren County High School Monday that "you're going to have disappointments [in life], but I've lived the struggle. You don't have to struggle today. I did it for you."

"Alcohol, marijuana and other drugs will take all your ambitions away," he said.

Manley described his childhood growing up in Houston, Texas.

"When I went to Oklahoma State, I was relieved," Manley said. "I didn't have to watch people get shot and run over."

College was a "new life" for him because he didn't have to deal with the alcoholism of his mother after his father died.

"I'm so glad for America that gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion," Manley said. "All of you have passion."

He said going to Oklahoma State gave him an opportunity that he didn't squander.

"Don't you squander your opportunity today," he said. "I want to tell you young woman, once you get involved in drinking and drugs, it's a heavy price you pay."

Manley said he's seen women abused "mentally, physically and sexually" when they go off to college "chasing star athletes."

Manley encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities to better themselves "even at this level."

"You must be precise about what it is you want to do," Manley said.

After he was drafted by the Washington Redskins and came to the NFL, Manley said he "saw this lifestyle with women, nice homes, lots of fancy stuff."

He said he didn't know that cocaine was a hook.

"How many believe in bad influences?" Manley asked, looking for a show of hands.

Many students did raise their hands.

"Bad influence makes a big difference in your life," he said. "And because this guy had this lifestyle, I was attracted to that lifestyle."

For his involvement in drugs, Manley said he's been paying a "heavy price for 22 years."

After the assembly, Manley interviewed some of Warren County's outstanding student-athletes for his new TV show "Dexter's Team."

H.B. Banjoman, Kelly Mitchell, Chevon Parker, Jesse Henry, Chelsea Williams, and Ed Hoisington each got a brief interview with Manley that can be seen on WAZTV on Saturday March 18 at 5 p.m. and on March 21 at 8 p.m. Channel 28 or Channel 99 on Adelphia.

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