Delonte West Arrested After Being Found Unconscious
Former NBA player Delonte West was arrested in Virginia on November 3 after being discovered unconscious near the intersection of Fair Haven Avenue and Richmond Highway, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Authorities told TMZ that West was heavily intoxicated and taken into custody for his own safety. Officers stated that they offered to transport him to a hospital, but he declined. When first responders arrived, West was breathing and conscious.
Police confirmed he later made bond and was released. It remains uncertain whether any formal charges will follow this incident.
Previous Legal Issues
This arrest occurred roughly a year after a similar incident in Fairfax County, when West was charged with misdemeanor trespassing in Huntington. In June of the same year, he was involved in another confrontation with police after allegedly violating release terms and resisting arrest.
During that encounter, officers reportedly found West unresponsive and administered Narcan due to a suspected opioid overdose before charging him with resisting arrest.
Background and Struggles
West, a first-round pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, played eight seasons across four teams. Since retiring, he has openly battled mental health challenges, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, issues that have overshadowed his post-NBA life.
“He was so intoxicated that he was arrested for his own safety,” Fairfax County Police said.
Author’s Summary
Delonte West, once an NBA athlete, continues to face serious personal and legal difficulties tied to addiction and mental illness, despite past efforts to recover.