The Mental health of athletes is being discussed more openly than ever. The most recent player to come forward is Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love. This is the kind of thing players would be embarrassed to talk about in year’s past.
After halftime, it all hit the fan. Coach Lue called a timeout in the third quarter. When I got to the bench, I felt my heart racing faster than usual. Then I was having trouble catching my breath. It’s hard to describe, but everything was spinning, like my brain was trying to climb out of my head. The air felt thick and heavy. My mouth was like chalk. I remember our assistant coach yelling something about a defensive set. I nodded, but I didn’t hear much of what he said. By that point, I was freaking out. When I got up to walk out of the huddle, I knew I couldn’t reenter the game — like, literally couldn’t do it physically.
Naturally a bunch of players showed K-Love some love on Twitter, sending him messages and showing their support for the Cavs big man. Even a few celebrities chimed in with messages of support.
You’re even more powerful now than ever before @kevinlove!!! Salute and respect brother! ✊????? https://t.co/6nL6WoZMCm
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 6, 2018
I commend @kevinlove for being vulnerable. Speaking openly abt his struggles & owning it is one of the most empowering things a person could do not only for others but also for themselves. #TrustTheProcess https://t.co/QtGmQAECaC
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) March 6, 2018
This is worth reading and very true. Respect to @Kevinlove for sharing about what we all go through as people in this world. https://t.co/g9r6Zaqpt9
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) March 6, 2018
Pretty glad Kevin Love didn't just "stick to sports" here. Open and honest discussion about a very difficult topic https://t.co/7IOeJzxqTG
— trey wingo (@wingoz) March 6, 2018
Can’t be easy to open up the way Kevin Love did. He knows by doing so he is helping so many others who think they’re alone. https://t.co/Hz6vWzbZoW
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) March 6, 2018
Good stuff @kevinlove ? https://t.co/wS72072wbM
— Matthew Dellavedova (@matthewdelly) March 6, 2018
Kevin Love is one of the good guys. Best of luck to him dealing with this. Luckily for him though, he’s a high profile athlete that makes millions of dollars a year. Here’s to hoping we can pay attention to the people who can’t afford, or don’t have access to getting help.