'So sad': Troubling new photo emerges of former NBA player
Prominent figures in the NBA world have offered to help Delonte West after a troubling new photo emerged of the former star.
West, who played eight seasons in the NBA, was spotted in Dallas recently, appearing to be homeless and begging on the street.
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A photo that has gone viral on social media shows the 37-year-old standing on the side of a road holding a sign.
Delonte west really out here in north dallas smh pic.twitter.com/9SxZzIO5AP
— 🇯🇵 (@CallTcooks) September 22, 2020
His former coach Doc Rivers and the NBA Players Association have both reportedly been trying to help.
“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,” former college coach Phil Martelli previously wrote in an emotional message on social media.
As news of West’s situation began to circulate, many took to Twitter to express concern for the former NBA star’s condition.
So sad!! I was once Delonte West 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Surbrina Thayer (@justice2b1) September 25, 2020
“They had the chance to help me and didn’t. I told them I needed help and they walked away. F*** them! They don’t care, they never did! I just wanted peace and they wouldn’t give it to me”
— Danté Swift (@_danteswift) September 24, 2020
The @nba is suppose to be a fraternity of brothers, right? So why can't anyone help Delonte West? And I'm not talking about giving him money, give him the help he needs for his bipolar depression. Dude was a nice player, just hate to see him go through whats he's going through
— Cedric Anderson (@SouthernBoi_Ced) September 23, 2020
I may be wrong, but I believe NBA players are eligible for pension at 45. I hope the NBA can help Delonte West immediately or make an exemption for his care. Prayers to his healing
— LeVelle Moton (@LeVelleMoton) September 23, 2020
NBA world saddened by Delonte West plight
Similarly disturbing photos and video emerged online in January showing West sitting shirtless on a footpath, shouting expletives with a bloodied and bruised face.
According to TMZ, the NBA, Players Association, Rivers, and West’s former college teammate Jameer Nelson have attempted to get in touch and get West some assistance.
West most notably played for the Boston Celtics - who selected him with the No. 24 overall pick in the draft in 2004 - and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He last played for the Dallas Mavericks in 2012, but was suspended twice for conduct detrimental to the team and eventually waived.
The former St Joseph’s college standout averaged 9.6 points and 3.6 assists over 432 games in his career.
West’s career took a turn in 2008 and he revealed he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“Delonte West is not crazy, he is not on drugs,” West’s brother Dmitri said previously.
“I don’t know what exactly is going on in his mind but I can tell you that he is safe and he’s doing OK.
“My family are trying to get him the best professional help that’s out there, the best that they can afford.”
West pleaded guilty to two weapons charges in 2010.
The 37-year-old has been involved in several incidents since leaving the league, including one in 2016 where he was reportedly spotted in a Houston-area Jack in the Box in rough shape.
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