Jameer Nelson and Phil Martelli sent out statements on Twitter Monday night after seeing the videos involving Delonte West.
West played at Saint Joseph’s with Nelson, under Martelli’s leadership, for three seasons, culminating in their 2003-2004 squad that went 27-0 in the regular season and finished 30-2. West was a junior and Nelson a senior that season.
After seeing videos that circulated on social media of West getting beat up and talking incoherently on a curb, Nelson issued a statement on Twitter about his former college teammate.
— Jameer Nelson (@jameernelson) January 21, 2020
“I’m sick today my stomach right now seeing the videos of Delonte. To answer everybody that’s reaching out to me about his situation … all we can do is pray for Him and his family and hope that he seeks the proper help. Mental illness is something that a lot of people deal with and don’t even know it, until sometimes it’s too late. I’m not sure what exactly is going on with Dwest but he knows I’m in his corner and will help him get through this. Yes, I’ve spoken to him Over the past several months, just trying to be there for him as a friend. One thing I do know Is. (sic) if your (sic) having mental, emotional or physical set backs (sic) in life you need to talk to somebody. And when I say talk to somebody. I mean,, like a doctor or doctors. Not you (sic) parents or homeboy, wife, cousins etc. somebody that has credentials in helping people for what your (sic) going through. And please be mindful, when you (sic) posting videos or pictures of somebody. You may think your (sic) helping but you might be hurting them even more. People have kids and their kids don’t deserve to be embarrassed.
Please Pray!” Nelson said in his statement.
Martelli, who coached at Saint Joseph’s from 1995-2019, added thoughts as well. He described West’s situation as “very painful” and said many are looking to help.
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
