Former NBA player Delonte West continues to face challenges with his mental health since his departure from professional basketball.
On Thursday morning, the 40-year-old was arrested in the D.C. area after a distressing incident. According to reports, police were attempting to serve West with a warrant when he fled on foot. After a brief pursuit, officers found him unresponsive on the ground.
D.C. News Live reported, “Ex-NBA player Delonte West has been arrested again in Virginia today. After collapsing while hiding from police, he was taken to the hospital and later transferred to jail, per Fairfax County PD. He’s charged with violating conditions of release & resisting arrest and is held on bond.”
TMZ added that West was initially unresponsive when police located him, and despite administering Narcan—a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids—it initially did not revive him. After being transported to a local hospital, Narcan was administered again, successfully reviving him. West was then discharged from the hospital and taken into custody.
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This incident is one of several encounters West has had with law enforcement since he left the NBA in 2013. Despite earning over $16 million during his career, it appears he has faced significant financial and personal difficulties.
In 2020, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban intervened to assist West, helping him enter a rehabilitation program. Although there seemed to be a positive change following the intervention, West has experienced several setbacks.
Last year, Phil Martelli, West’s former college coach, expressed his commitment to supporting West after he was seen panhandling in Virginia. The ongoing struggles highlight the severe impacts of mental health issues and the continuous support needed for recovery.
