Delonte West battled bipolar disorder during his eight NBA seasons, a career that was cut short in part by a series of actions likely tied to his condition.
He’s been out of the league since 2012, but his challenges have not changed. Over the weekend, a disturbing video of West being attacked and beaten on a Washington D.C. street surfaced. It was followed by a second video showing West handcuffed and apparently talking to the police (or waiting to talk to them), where West used graphic and disturbing language to accuse another man of pulling a gun on him.
In the wake of that, West’s former St. Joseph’s teammate Jameer Nelson posted this on Twitter:
— Jameer Nelson (@jameernelson) January 21, 2020
West’s former coach at St. Joseph’s Phil Martelli followed that us, as did others on social media.
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
Others who knew West also chimed in:
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
Just catching up to the Delonte West video. We have a serious mental health crisis in this country, and that begins with the lack of available insurance to cover the costs and access to facilities. I truly hope he gets the help he needs.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) January 21, 2020
Man I didn’t even wanna believe that was Delonte West in that video, even though it looked just like him. 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️ Prayers up to that man and his family!! Hope he gets the help he needs. Mental Health is real y’all!!! Don’t be too proud or ashamed to get help!
— JJ Sullinger(He/Him) (@JJSullinger) January 21, 2020
Let’s hope West gets the help he needs.
