Inspirational speaker Chris Herren addressed the Royals on Wednesday morning.

Herren, who played in the NBA from 1999-2001, is a former heroine and cocaine addict, who was the subject of an ESPN documentary of his life. He also co-authored a book on his struggles.

According to his website, Herren struggled with substance abuse for much of his basketball career, but has been drug-free and alcohol-free since Aug. 1, 2008.

“It was just an outstanding story,” Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Herren tweeted a photo of his chat with the team, which you can see here.

| Pete Grathoff, pgrathoff@kcstar.com