Delonte West was arrested for robbery of $23 and sent straight to a treatment facility
The former NBA player is facing new legal issues after an incident in Virginia, just weeks after marking a milestone in sobriety.
Fans of Delonte West have experienced a sad roller coaster. The 42-year-old has reportedly had another run-in with the law, despite a hopeful update earlier this month suggesting he was making progress and enjoying 30 days sober in a rehab center.
Following an alleged robbery and assault, the former NBA guard was taken into custody in Belle Haven, Virginia, according to TMZ. According to reports, the event occurred on December 21, but specifics didn’t come to light until the indictment was made public. According to law enforcement, they responded to a complaint on Richmond Highway from a victim who said they had been beaten and robbed.
Officials revealed a startling detail: the “robbery” only included about $23. West allegedly ran away from the scene, but soon after the 911 call, he was apprehended by local police. After being brought to the Adult Detention Center in Fairfax County, he was eventually freed on a $1,000 bail.
Even with the setback, there remains a bright side. According to Brandon R. Sloane, West’s lawyer, the former Cavaliers star is using this most recent legal setback as motivation to continue on the correct course.
The team is certain that the case will demonstrate “things not being as they initially appear,” Sloane said, adding, “I am proud of Delonte as he has used this process to seek out help and been released on bond to a treatment facility.”
Just one month has passed since West was arrested for public intoxication in November; according to the police, this event was handled “for his own safety.”
As West struggles with homelessness, drugs, and bipolar disorder, the basketball community—including Mark Cuban—has supported him for years. Even though he has faced many challenges on the road to recovery, his team says he is grateful for the ongoing good wishes as he returns to treatment.
