A Prince George’s (Maryland) county police officer has been suspended for filming former NBA player and Eleanor Roosevelt High standout Delonte West, according to the Associated Press.
A video went viral of a disoriented West handcuffed and being questioned by police about an alleged fight between West and an unidentified man near the DC/Maryland border.
West appeared in rough shape, prompting many across social media to plead to the NBA to help the former star who apparently struggling with his mental health.
PGPD Chief Hank Stawinski said the suspended officer “will be dealt with harshly” if the person is found responsible for posting the video on social media, according to TMZ.
PGPD said a witness told police that West initiated the alleged fight by striking a man over the head with a bottle. A portion of the fight was captured by a witness.
West played in the NBA from 2004 until 2012 after starring at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland and in college at St. Joseph’s, playing alongside Jameer Nelson.
West has been the subject of multiple videos and photos drawing concerns of his behavior and living surroundings in recent years. His family says he suffers from a bipolar disorder and has battled with his mental health.
After the latest video surfaced, Nelson and former Dallas Cowboys’ player Dez Bryant have offered to reach out to West for help along with a large outcry for the NBA to step in and help.
