Sebastian Telfair has a newfound appreciation for Sean “Diddy” Combs after their prison days together.
The ex-NBA star, released from FCI Fort Dix this week after serving time for violating the conditions of his supervised release in connection with his healthcare fraud case, offered up an update on the disgraced rap mogul — just hours after becoming a free man again.
“I met some good people — shout out Diddy,” he told TMZ. “My boy Diddy is in the spot too. I couldn’t imagine how Diddy felt, but Diddy’s holding it down, he’s doing what he’s got to do. Where he’s at, they’re going to help him.”
Telfair didn’t get into specifics about Diddy, who is in the midst of a 50-month sentence at Fort Dix for two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution — a violation of the Mann Act.
“We all know Diddy’s business,” Telfair said. “Diddy was living a rock star life. I’m glad he’s gonna get the time to relax and, as my boys will say on the inside, get some time for yourself. Diddy’s in good spirits, he’s still Diddy. Diddy is gonna be Diddy no matter where he’s at.”
The 40-year-old Telfair, a first-round pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, revealed he’s joining Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league — which may or may not satisfy the job requirements of his parole.
In the meantime, he’s glad to be out earlier than expected and spending some time with his family again.
“Feeling great, feeling rehabilitated, got to see my babies today, kiss all over them,” he said. “I thought I was going to come home two days after Christmas.”
Telfair spent 10 years in the NBA, playing for the Trail Blazers, Celtics, Timberwolves, Clippers, Suns and Raptors, averaging 7.4 points, 3.5 assists and 1.6 rebounds over 564 games.
In 2021, the Brooklyn native was one of 18 former NBA players indicted for submitting false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement by the league’s health and welfare benefit plan. He pleaded guilty in 2023 and was sentenced to three years of probation.
