Megan Rapinoe is a name that is synonymous with success and determination. She is not only a legendary player in the USWNT history, but also an advocate for LGBTQ rights and equal opportunities. Throughout her journey, she has found support and inspiration from her family. Today, we are going to talk about one member of her family, her older brother.

Megan Rapinoe is not the only child in the family. She has a twin sister Rachael Rapinoe. Also, she has an older brother named Brian Rapinoe, whose path has been a rocky one, marred by battles with addiction and encounters with the legal system. Here’s everything you need to know about him.

Megan Rapinoe and Brian’s childhood days- the start of his drug addiction

From a young age, Brian was a role model for Megan. As siblings, their connection was undeniable, and it was Brian who introduced Megan to the sport of soccer. At just four years old, he taught her how to dribble a ball, igniting a passion that would shape her future. However, as Brian entered his teenage years, his life took a dark turn.

He began experimenting with drugs, starting with marijuana at the age of 12. Despite Megan’s pleas and attempts to intervene, Brian’s addiction only spiraled further out of control. A few years later, he was arrested for bringing methamphetamine to school and served time in a juvenile detention center.

By the time he reached 18, Brian had fallen deep into the clutches of hard drugs, particularly heroin. His life became a cycle of crime and substance abuse, as he faced charges of car theft, evading arrest, and a hit-and-run while driving under the influence. As a result, Brian eventually found himself in prison, serving time for his actions.

Dive Deeper: Who Is Rachel, Megan Rapinoe’s Twin Sister Who Lost Her Career to Injuries & Substance Abuse?

Brian Rapinoe’s adulthood- prison life and gangs

Brian’s time behind bars was marked by a dangerous association with a white prison gang. In a display of allegiance, he adorned his body with some racist tattoos. His involvement in gang life only exacerbated his legal troubles as he accumulated charges ranging from drug possession to assaulting fellow white inmates.

The severity of his actions even resulted in spending 8 of his 16 years in solitary confinement. It was so serious that, in 2007, he was transferred to Pelican Bay State Prison, California’s only super-maximum security facility. This prison is notorious for housing the most dangerous and high-profile criminals in the state. Despite the harsh environment, Brian began to experience a change of heart.

He recognized the hateful significance behind his racist tattoos and made the courageous decision to cover them up, disavowing the ideology they represented. Yet, his battle with addiction persisted. In 2011, Brian was apprehended for selling heroin. The journey to recovery and redemption seemed even more challenging for Brian, as addiction continued to grip him tightly. However, this was not the end of his story.

Brian’s attempt at recovery and his love for his sister

In 2011, as Megan Rapinoe made her World Cup debut, Brian was still serving time in prison. However, his unwavering love for his sister was evident. He watched every match from his jail cell, even encouraging his fellow inmates to join in. Witnessing his sister celebrate with their family served as a bittersweet reminder for Brian. He deeply regretted not being able to be there with them.

Four long years passed, during which Brian found himself in solitary confinement due to his violent record in prison. By the time Megan lifted her first World Cup in 2015, Brian had reached the age of 35 and had spent half of his life behind bars. This realization hit him hard, prompting him to reflect on the choices he had made and the impact they had on his life.

In 2017, shortly after a brief period of freedom, Brian found himself back in prison once again. However, this time, a life-changing incident occurred that would alter the course of his life forever. the realization came while attempting to inject heroin into the back of his neck with the help of his cellmate after the needle broke. At that moment, he thought about Megan.

It was then that Brian made the pivotal decision that he was finally ready for change. Taking advantage of the new self-improvement and rehabilitation classes offered by the California prison system, Brian embarked on a journey of transformation. He turned his back on the drugs that had consumed his life for 24 years and committed himself to a path of sobriety and personal growth. He also boldly proclaimed, “I want to be like Megan” Brian Rapinoe’s journey from addiction and incarceration to recovery and advocacy is a remarkable and inspiring tale.

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