Basketball: Shocking video of former NBA star Delonte West has fans and players rallying for help

Delonte West (L) lines up next to NBA superstar LeBron James in the 2011 finals. Photo / Getty

Basketball fans and former players have urged the NBA to take action after two videos of former player Delonte West made their way around social media on Tuesday.

West, 36, was seen in two separate videos with the first showing him being beaten up in the middle of the street with the second showing him being questioned by police and shouting profanities.

West played in the NBA for eight seasons playing for the Boston Celtics, Seattle Supersonics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks. Earning upwards of $16 million in salary across that time frame.

He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2008 and last played in early 2015 in the then D-League.

West's former teammate Jameer Nelson posted a lengthy tribute after seeing the videos, saying he felt "sick to the stomach".

pic.twitter.com/W3QxPsbYSu

— Jameer Nelson (@jameernelson) January 21, 2020

His former coach from Saint Joseph's stated he was reaching out to his basketball network in the hopes of getting West the help he needs.

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

West has run into trouble off the court previously, in 2010 he was sentenced to eight months home detention, two months of probation and 40 hours of community service after pleading guilty to two weapon charges.

In 2016 he was spotted by a fan outside of a Jack in the Box restaurant wandering around with no shoes on.

Happier times: Delonte West with wife Caressa and son Cash in April 2015. Photo / Getty

The latest incident saw reporters, teammates and fellow athletes praying West would get the help he needs with many pleading for the NBA to step in.

Man this is heartbreaking. Prayers up for Delonte West. https://t.co/J2tvbsXCjd

— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) 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

Really hope the @NBA and @TheNBPA find a way to help Delonte West.

— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) January 21, 2020

The NBA needs to step up and help Delonte West. League office, former teammates and coaches. The NBA was the first league to really address mental illness. Take care of one of your own. You talk the talk. Now walk the walk.

— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) January 21, 2020

WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (24/7)
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (24/7)
• SAMARITANS – 0800 726 666
• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz

There are lots of places to get support. For others, click here.