CELEBRITY
Should LeBron James Help Ex-NBA Star Delonte West …Again?
A very disturbing video of former NBA player Delonte West is making its rounds on social media.
In the video, West was seen being assaulted in the middle of a PG County, Maryland road. While his attacker delivered harsh blows to his body (including several stomps to the head) driving witnesses did little to stop it.
*WARNING: This Video Is Extremely Graphic*
Apparently Delonte West was seen getting beat up in the street this Morning. I went to school with him and it’s crazy to see just how his life has gone downhill since the NBA. pic.twitter.com/chm6Sbu9h6
— Measha⚡️ (@N90sKindOfWorld) January 20, 2020
According to TMZ, Delonte may have been the aggressor in the fight. He had allegedly hit his attacker over the head with a glass bottle sending the man into a serious rage.
A second video, which was filmed by a responding officer, shows the former ball player shirtless and sitting on a curb in handcuffs while ranting. The officer who allegedly recorded the video has since been suspended.
Delonte West Wtf the man needs help, should Lebron James help? #lifeafterthenba #NBA #help pic.twitter.com/tSNfp224H0
— Respect The Shoota (@Respectheshoota) January 21, 2020
While swift action was taken against the officer, many are calling for the same energy from the NBA and his former teammates in terms of helping… including LeBron James.
@NBA @KingJames @markcubanreal
The Delonte West situation calls for the real deal "NBA Cares" @nbacares …help directly and indirectly using your resources and influence. ❤— Mark Antolin (@MarkAntolin1) January 22, 2020
Delonte West a grown ass man. ONCE AGAIN!!! DELONTE WEST IS A GROWN ASS MAN!!!!!!! Lebron James out of ALL PEOPLE don't need to help West. Call on his family members before y'all go calling on NBA players. Y'all weirdos smh
— Dwan..Panthers 15-1 and they lied (@WaneyWann) January 22, 2020
We do know that the Lakers were made aware of the video but here’s where things get a little messy…
The Delonte West video was being mentioned inside the Lakers locker room. As expected, nothing but shock and hope for help.
— Clevis Murray (@ClevisMurray) January 21, 2020
Although, James may possess the very resources to help out his former teammate, we’re not sure if he’ll want to. For those who don’t know, it’s been alleged for years that West was sleeping with Lebron’s mother which was rumored to be the reason why he left Cleveland for Miami. Yes the tea is hot but we’re not sure how true the allegations are since no one has openly admitted it.
In LeBron defense, Delonte even went on record to say his ex teammate saved his life once. Back in 2009 during his short time on the Cavaliers, West was charged with two counts of carrying a handgun in Maryland after he was caught speeding on a motorcycle while carrying two loaded handguns and a shotgun. Here’s how he said LeBron stepped up for him in his time of need.
“He sat with me in the locker room for like an hour and was rapping it up with me by giving me words of encouragement, “West said. “Keep in mind, practice was still going on. He left practice and sat with me for a while, just keeping me company. He later walked me down the stairs and said, ‘D, I don’t know where you’re going or what you’re about to do, but I’ll be right here when you get back.’
West continues, “My spirits were so high at that point. I don’t know what would have happened had I left in the condition I was in prior. It’s a testament to the type of person he is.”
He also says other teammates stepped in for him as well.
“Man, LeBron and Randy just fellowshipped with me and then the next thing I knew, here comes [teammate] Lorenzen Wright before, rest in peace. He came out there and grabbed me, picked me up, bear hugging me. He hugged me for like five minutes. He literally had me up and they walked me up to the plane. Lorenzen read me Bible scriptures the whole plane ride. That team was a family and LeBron was a big reason why.”
As for now, it’s reported that the NBA, as well as several former teammates and others are offering to step in and help. Former teammates like Jameer Nelson and Phil Martelli also share some words on the incident.
— Jameer Nelson (@jameernelson) January 21, 2020
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
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
I think it would be great for the @nba to go and find Delonte West and force him to get help!!! They have the resources and they have been doing a great job with Current Players for as Mental Health and now it’s time for them to show the same love to Former Players!
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 21, 2020
This isn’t a joke. Delonte West, former guard for the Celtics, Cavs, Mavs and more, is in serious trouble. His brother says he’s not a drug addict, he’s got bipolar disorder. Hope Delonte gets the help he needs. https://t.co/xWE9yxESqx
— Touré (@Toure) January 21, 2020
Delonte, my man, my teammate. I wish you peace. May the world learn compassion and choose to see you as a human being. You showed me kindness and I wish the world could see how kind you are. Hang in there. #DelonteWest
— Lance Allred (@lanceallred41) January 21, 2020
Many Delonte West video comments show a lack of understanding of how mental health lives on a continuum; with mental illness at one end. We all exist on that continuum & are susceptible to illness just like our physical health. More mental health education & compassion are musts.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 21, 2020
People feeling more connected to sympathize #AaronHernandez after this documentary, being a murderer…..yet #DelonteWest really in the streets getting assaulted, homeless, poor, life fucked up, society needs a real mental health check 4 real.
— B Romero (@bra1nr8der) January 21, 2020
Delonte West made $19,767,736 ($16,463,022 post taxes) in his 9 NBA seasons from 2004/2005- 2012/2013. If you dont think untreated mental illness and drug addiction isn’t destroying this country then you’re vastly mistaken. https://t.co/bWcQCAOCpC
— Justin Lonero (@JustinLonero) January 21, 2020
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen West in compromising situations and it won’t be the last if he doesn’t get the help he needs soon. The question is, should LeBron help?