Inside CDCR Video, Rehabilitation, Sports in CDCR

San Quentin tour highlights sports

November 12, 2026

Legislators, Smart Justice and other guests recently toured San Quentin Rehabilitation Center to learn more about sports as a rehabilitative program.

“We are here today at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center with about a dozen members of the state legislature and the mayor of Sacramento, a number of prominent advocates and people who have done a lot of thinking about criminal justice, and also some former professional athletes,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel.

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Anquan Boldin, a former NFL wide receiver, said he wanted to learn more about San Quentin’s rehabilitation efforts.

“I thought it was a great way to come out here to see the programs San Quentin has,” he said. “I also think sport is a great way, not only to unify people, but also used as a tool to rehabilitate some of the guys … in here. So, that’s why I joined today.”

Boldin said he believes bringing sports programs into institutions would increase a person’s chance of rehabilitation.

“I’ve had several conversations already,” Boldin said. “I think bringing sport inside would be a great way to build community, but also, again, help rehabilitate.”

Sports and second chances

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel speaks with incarcerated people at San Quentin.

Warden Chance Andes greets the tour at San Quentin.

Gabriel authored Assembly Bill 2204, dubbed the Second Chance Sports Act.

“(It would) recognize organized sports as a form of rehabilitation in California. (It would also) create and formalize a policy around organized sports in correctional facilities,” he explained. “(The act) then creates a fund … where we can put resources in to help expand opportunities at correctional facilities across the state.”

Boldin said sports helped keep him focused as a youth.

“For me, sports was a lifesaver. I grew up in a small town where there’s not a lot of resources. So sports is something that kept me out of a lot of trouble, kept me focused, kept me disciplined,” he said. “A great way to teach people about life is through sports.”

Video by Richard Tan, Director, TV Communications Center
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications