I don't think I'm jumping the gun when I say that for a lot of boys my age (mid-twenties), Bam Margera was something of an idol. Not only was he a 'sick' skater, but he was also crazily reckless and involved in the skating/rock band-hybrid, CKY.
I remember watching Viva La Bam, Jackass and even vividly recall the episode of Cribs that he starred in just to keep up to date with Bam, that's how much I loved this guy.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BbzwKMkliPF/?hl=en
&
taken-by=bam__margera]]
That's why for me, and for many other fans of the pro skater, it was incredibly difficult to watch his life spiral out of control due to his increasing reliance on alcohol and other substances. However, the past year or so has seen the return of a happy Bam Margera and it's been good to see the now 38-year-old with a smile on his face.
But a recent relapse saw Bam get picked up for DUI and arrested. However, rather than descend into another bout of abuse and issues, Bam has decided to check himself into a "California rehab facility" on Friday.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BZjyhQLF0cV/?hl=en
&
taken-by=bam__margera]]
Talking to TMZ, April, Bam's mum - who was the victim of many of his hilarious pranks - said that he will fulfil his TV commitments on Wednesday and Thursday before heading off to the facility. According to E! April said:
"He feels a lot better. He had a bad night. He’s embarrassed by it. He’s mad at himself for being stupid.
"Now he just wants to pick up the pieces and move forward for himself and for his family."
April continued, saying that she and Phil (her husband and Bam's dad) helped their son pick the right centre and it's believed that his wife, Nicole, is also helping the star through the process.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BdGfQw-FguH/?hl=en
&
taken-by=bam__margera]]
Its reported that Bam drove past CHP officers who were in the middle of stopping someone else when they spoke to him. The officers in question claim that they noticed the strong smell of alcohol on the former-Jackass star's breath. After telling him to pull over, he was charged with DUI and bail was set at $15,000 - a fee which Bam paid for himself.
Although it's believed that this is Bam's first DUI offence, he has been battling alcoholism for a long time now. But, he had his son in December and has recently spoken about embracing sobriety.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BdVx-8vFfb9/?taken-by=nikkib124]]
Despite already being known for his party boy antics, it's believed that the skater's substance abuse worsened after the death of his close friend, Ryan Dunn in 2011. After the accident, Bam disappeared from the public eye as he focused on getting back to health and recovering from his devastating loss.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BVOOgiuF9mG/?hl=en
&
taken-by=bam__margera]]
It's been good to see Bam back to what he does best, and hopefully, the DUI arrest was simply a blip in his recovery. After all, the guy was a role model and icon for a lot of people and among all the bravado and crazy stunts, he genuinely seemed like a pretty stand-up guy.
Bam, we wish you well in your recovery. Viva La Bam!
