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Aguirre says Tarpley's still working out, though not playing any basketball; he also says, shockingly enough, there are still a few European ball clubs that would be thrilled to sign Tarpley, addictions be damned. But Ray and Aguirre and others know that his problems will never disappear with a grin, a few reassuring words, and another contract with a fourth-rate European team looking to exploit an addict. Tarpley's friends know he must hit bottom before he ever sees the top again. They only hope they're around to pick him up one more time.