Fears held over former NBA star’s wellbeing
BASKETBALL fans and former players have urged the NBA to take action after two videos of former player Delonte West made there way around social media on Tuesday.
West, 36, was seen in two separate videos, with the first showing him being beaten up in the middle of the street and the second showing him being questioned by police and shouting profanities.
West played in the NBA for eight seasons playing for the Boston Celtics, Seattle Supersonics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks.
He earned upwards of $16 million in salary across that time frame.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2008 and last played in early 2015 in the then D-League.
West's former teammate Jameer Nelson posted a lengthy tribute after seeing the videos, saying he felt "sick to the stomach".
— Jameer Nelson (@jameernelson) January 21, 2020
His former coach from Saint Joseph's stated he was reaching out to his basketball network in the hopes of getting West the help he needs.
Over the past several hours I have talked with many who are willing to help - please read and embrace Jameer’s wisdom - we are reaching out to our basketball network to get the professional help Delonte needs. This is so very painful. https://t.co/8IAuTdzCc9
— Phil Martelli (@PhilMartelli) January 21, 2020
West has run into trouble off the court previously. In 2010 he was sentenced to eight months home detention, two months of probation and 40 hours of community service after pleading guilty to two weapon charges.
In 2016 he was spotted by a fan outside of a Jack in the Box restaurant wandering around with no shoes on.
The latest incident resulted in reporters, teammates and fellow athletes praying West would get the help he needs with many pleading for the NBA to step in.
Man this is heartbreaking. Prayers up for Delonte West. https://t.co/J2tvbsXCjd
— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) January 21, 2020
Really hope the @NBA and @TheNBPA find a way to help Delonte West.
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) January 21, 2020
Sorry to post such a rough video but I'm hoping NBA twitter can figure out how to get Delonte West some help (because.... the union isn't?). Suggestions welcome here or DM me.
— Nathaniel Friedman (@freedarko) January 21, 2020
The NBA needs to step up and help Delonte West. League office, former teammates and coaches. The NBA was the first league to really address mental illness. Take care of one of your own. You talk the talk. Now walk the walk.
— Chris Martin Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) January 21, 2020
That Delonte West stuff is so damn sad. One of the most entertaining athletes ever and always came across as very happy. Mental health ain’t no joke. Hard to watch. Loved that dude. Someone needs to help him.
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) January 21, 2020
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I see a lot dumb comments where folks making fun of Delonte west... this is not a joking matter .... I’m going to figure out how I can help him.... he need to be in rehab or something...
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 21, 2020
