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The troubling footage has prompted big sports names like Dez Bryant, Jameer Nelson, Phil Martelli, and more to speak out.
- Troubling videos of former NBA journeyman Delonte West recently surfaced and took the world of sports by storm.
- The clips appear to show West getting physically beaten in the middle of the street and cursing at police officers as they attempt to get more information from the handcuffed 36-year-old.
- Big names from across sports - including Dez Bryant, Jameer Nelson, Phil Martelli, and even the NBA itself - voiced concern about West and pledged to help him and his family.
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Troubling footage of former NBA journeyman Delonte West that circulated on social media has prompted some big names across the world of sports to pledge their assistance.
In one clip, West - who has a well-documented history of mental health and drug related stuggles - is seen getting stomped on in the middle of the street during a physical altercation with an unknown second party. According to TMZ, a witness told police that West initiated the confrontation by attacking the other man with a glass bottle.
In another clip, the nine-year NBA vet is seen sitting on a curb while handcuffed. As police officers attempt to ascertain what happened during the fight, West repeatedly curses at them and refuses to cooperate.
Basketball fans across the internet voiced their concern over the "heartbreaking" videos and called on the NBA to intervene, while some prominent names in the world of sports chimed in with messages of support.
Former NBA player Jameer Nelson penned a note reiterating his support for his college teammate:
Similarly, West's and Nelson's former college coach Phil Martelli called the situation "so very painful" and noted that he is working to find help for West and his family.
Former star Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant also shared a message on Twitter and said he would "figure out how I can help him."
A slew of sports journalists weighed in as well:
According to TMZ, the NBA itself "has and is offering to support West and his family." West's former agent, Aaron Goodwin, also told TMZ that West's friends and family are supportive but need assistance in keeping the NBA veteran out of trouble.
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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, 2020Slim doing bad NBA need to offer him some help pic.twitter.com/b7MtTj9JAt
- Maybe: Damani (@damani_givens) January 21, 2020- Jameer Nelson (@jameernelson) January 21, 2020Over 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, 2020I 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, 2020Idk everybody on the street but I do know him so I'm willing to help him https://t.co/6n1OcRkWfR
- Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 21, 2020The 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, 2020Praying for my brother and fellow PG County native Delonte West. He went to Roosevelt where my brother, sister and all my friends went. There is nothing whatsoever funny about what is happening to him. If you from the #DMV and have a contact for him. Reach out. I will try to help
- Chris Martin Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) January 21, 2020I don't know who it will take but I seriously hope some of Delonte West's former teammates can help get him the care he needs. If his family hasn't been able to, maybe they can. Poor mental health is a serious issue and those who suffer from it rarely realize that they need help.
- Michael Eaves (@michaeleaves) January 21, 2020