Former NBA player Delonte West, most known for his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a teammate of LeBron James, was spotted outside of a Houston Jack In The Box restaurant without shoes on and wearing a hospital gown last week. A fan who recognized West captured the following photo.
It’s clear that #DelonteWest is in serious need of help. But who’s going to step up? https://t.co/edk2bqNxyq pic.twitter.com/sZJWcr1xsf
— The Root (@TheRoot) February 22, 2016
The fan claimed when he asked the former Saint Joseph’s standout if he was indeed Delonte West he replied, “I used to be, but I’m not about that life anymore.”
West is hardly a stranger to controversy. In 2009, he was pulled over in Maryland for cutting a police officer off while riding a motorcycle with a guitar case on his back. Inside the guitar case police found a shotgun and two other loaded handguns.
West, 32, is diagnosed bipolar and is said to have had mood swings going back to his childhood. Thus, many assume this recent incident has to do with a mental breakdown, possibly the result of not taking medication.
West played eight seasons in the NBA, the last being with the Dallas Mavericks in 2012. As a member of the Cavaliers, he was said to be a favorite teammate of James until rumors swirled that West had a romantic relationship with James’ mother.
West has always vehemently denied the rumors. However, they undoubtedly became overwhelming at times. In a video feature with Vice Sports back in 2014, West said he didn’t want his son to be named his junior due to fears he would be bullied during his childhood over the rumors.
Clearly, West needs help. Let’s keep our fingers crossed the next person that notices him in a confused condition as such is more concerned with steering him in the right direction than capitalizing on a photo opportunity.
