Delonte West (L) lines up next to NBA superstar LeBron James in the 2011 finals. Photo / Getty
Delonte West (L) lines up next to NBA superstar LeBron James in the 2011 finals. Photo / Getty
Basketball fans and former players have urged the NBA to take action after two videos of former player Delonte West made their 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 streetwith 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. Earning 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.
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
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.
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...
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.
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 • KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) • LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (24/7) • NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (24/7) • SAMARITANS – 0800 726 666 • SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (24/7) • WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) • YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
There are lots of places to get support. For others, click here.
