Walton's ankle problems became so severe that he had both his ankles surgically fused. His saga of injury and failed rehabs was connected to the use of painkillers by the doctor who was assigned to his case. Walton has said repeatedly in his broadcasts that he is just as much to blame for taking the medication as the doctor was for giving it to him. In a June 8, 2010, interview on "The Dan Patrick Show", Walton admitted to contemplating suicide for a time due to the constant pain resulting from injuries sustained during his NBA career.