*After ex-NBA Delonte West was filmed receiving a beatdown on a busy street, and later shown handcuffed shirtless and bloody on a city curb, shouting expletives, the NBA, his former coach and teammates are speaking out about coming to West’s aid.
Prince George’s County Police Chief Henry P. Stawinski III confirmed on Tuesday that the officer who recorded the interaction was suspended pending an investigation into how the disturbing footage was made public,the Washington Post reports.
“In my view, I own that (video), this department owns that,” Stawinski said. “ … That’s evidence, and it’s irresponsible for that to be placed in the hands of the public, particularly when you start identifying individuals who are still subject to a serious assault and investigation.”
OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Coach Michael Taylor Challenges Men to Make Emotional Health Their 2020 Resolution
This is not funny ? #socialmedia I’m sure some of your family members are battling with the same demons. #DelonteWest pic.twitter.com/rulc1bYR69
— Own Your Masters (@ThaArchitect) January 21, 2020
Stawinski said footage of the altercation appeared to be captured on a cellphone and not an officer-worn body camera.
Aaron Goodwin, West’s former agent, told TMZ that West, who has long struggled with bipolar disorder, is currently recovering with family members.
This is allegedly Delonte West getting beat up in the middle of the road. Prayers up for this man. pic.twitter.com/EWjQbCJDXz
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 21, 2020
Meanwhile, Jameer Nelson, who starred alongside West at Saint Joseph’s from 2001 to 2004, wrote Monday on Twitter that he intends to “help him get through this.”
Phil Martelli, who coached West and Nelson at Saint Joseph’s, also wrote on Twitter that he and others “are reaching out to our basketball network to get the professional help Delonte needs. This is so very painful.”
. @twitter needs to take down that video of #DelonteWest .. people making ignorant comments bc social media makes everyone’s life feel like a video game. This is real life & a real serious issue. It could affect you. Remember the man w/ a family you are commenting on. pic.twitter.com/OGvOleWpSN
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) January 21, 2020
West, 36, last played in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2011-12 season. West previously told The Post’s Rick Maese that doctors diagnosed his bipolar disorder in 2008.
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
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
