In a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, Mark Cuban, the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, opened up about his ongoing efforts to help former NBA player Delonte West. Cuban’s journey with West has been a rollercoaster of hope and setbacks, highlighting the complexities of mental health and addiction.
Cuban first reached out to West in 2020 after distressing images of the former player surfaced online. West, who had struggled with mental health issues and addiction, was found homeless and in dire need of support. Cuban took it upon himself to help, picking West up from a gas station and facilitating his entry into a rehabilitation program.
One of the pivotal moments in West’s recovery journey was his stay at a rehabilitation facility in Florida, owned by former NBA player Jayson Williams. Cuban described the place as a farm, a serene environment where West could focus on his recovery. Initially, things seemed promising. West was in regular contact with Cuban, sending emails and updates that painted a hopeful picture.
“I thought we had him turned around,” Cuban said. “We sent him down to Jason’s place in Florida, and it’s like a farm. Delonte is emailing me, and I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, we’re getting this…'”
However, the road to recovery is rarely straightforward. Despite the initial progress, West’s demons resurfaced. Cuban recounted a moment of frustration and heartbreak when West abruptly left the facility.
“Then Delonte throws his sh*t over the fence and disappears,” Cuban shared.
Cuban’s experience with West underscores a critical point: mental illness is a relentless adversary.
“Mental illness is real, and you just don’t wish it away,” Cuban emphasized.
.@mcuban On Delonte West: “I Thought We Had Him Turned Around.”
“We sent him down to Jason’s place in Florida and it’s like a farm. Delonte is emailing me, and I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, we’re getting this…’ Then Delonte throws his sh*t over the fence and disappears.” pic.twitter.com/pRxs0cKjYb
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) September 27, 2024
His words resonate deeply, reflecting the challenges faced by many who battle similar issues. Despite the setbacks, Cuban remains committed to helping West. In the end, Cuban’s story is not just about one man’s struggle but a broader call to action for greater awareness and support for mental health issues.
