Former Dallas Mavericks player Delonte West was arrested in Virginia for violating the conditions of his release and resisting arrest, as reported by NEWS.ORG 5 DC. The arrest occurred on Thursday morning, according to sources from the Fairfax County Police Department. West, known for his tenure in the NBA, encountered a medical emergency during the arrest.

Medical Emergency During Arrest

According to TMZ Sports, as officers were attempting to arrest West, he experienced a medical emergency. The Fairfax County Police Department informed TMZ Sports that officers served a warrant to West, who then fled on foot. He was later found unresponsive and required administration of Narcan, both at the scene and upon arrival at the hospital. West is currently being held on bond in connection with the incident.

Basketball Career and Background

Delonte West, now 40 years old, has a basketball career that spans from his high school days at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland, to his time at St. Joseph’s University, and his professional career in the NBA. He played for various teams, including the Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks, where he notably played during the 2011-2012 season.

Post-Retirement Troubles

Since retiring from professional basketball, West has faced numerous legal issues. In 2020, he gained attention when a video surfaced showing him being assaulted on a street in the D.C. area. Shortly after, he entered a rehab center but was subsequently taken into custody for being drunk in public in Florida.

Continued Legal Troubles

West’s legal woes continued into 2022 when he was arrested for vehicle trespassing, fleeing from law enforcement, and being intoxicated in public. These incidents have raised concerns about his well-being and highlighted the challenges faced by athletes transitioning out of professional sports.

Support from Mark Cuban

Throughout his struggles, West has received support from Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Cuban assisted West in finding housing and reconnecting with his family after the former NBA player was spotted panhandling in Dallas. Cuban also played a pivotal role in encouraging West to seek rehabilitation.

In a statement to TMZ Sports in 2022, Cuban emphasized the importance of addressing addiction and mental health issues, stating, Addiction is awful and mental illness is awful. He’s at the point in his life where he’s got to want to be helped.

Conclusion: Addressing Mental Health and Addiction in Athletics

Delonte West’s arrest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes, particularly concerning mental health and addiction issues post-retirement. While his situation is concerning, it underscores the need for greater support systems and resources for athletes transitioning out of professional sports. Mark Cuban’s involvement serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and intervention in addressing these complex issues.

Sources:

• NEWS.ORG 5 DC
• TMZ Sports

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