A friend of Delonte West is giving the world a glimpse into the life of Delonte West days before he entered rehab in Florida.
The NY Post got hold of the video and the woman behind it who has been trying to help West for the past several months. Lenora “Quinn” Cole stated she met him begging for money outside a Kroger store in Las Colinas, Texas.
“He’s a sweet and humble person, he’s not violent or aggressive at all, ever,” she said. “He has a good heart and a good sense of humor, he’s just addicted to embalming fluid and alcohol. It’s really sad.
“I was trying to get him help, but he was really paranoid, he didn’t seem to trust anyone but me. It was really hard to convince him that he needed to accept professional help and go into rehab.”
West’s much needed help came in the form Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stepping in after another disturbing photo of the 37-year-old West emerged last week of him begging for money. Cuban spoke with West’s mother, Delphina Addison, and he arranged to meet West at a gas station. Cuban took West to Addison at a hotel and he entered a rehab facility in Florida.
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West had been public about battling bipolar disorder since his time as a player with the Celtics, Sonics, Cavaliers and Mavericks.
“I pay his phone bill and try to make sure he’s safe as best I can, I don’t earn much, but I don’t drink or smoke, so I can afford to give him a little bit of money,” said Cole, who works for a school bus service.
“He’s in a really bad place right now but I think he’s finally ready to accept some help to get sober and get his life back on track.”
Now, it appears his life is on the right track.
“I’m so thankful that Mark stepped in to help him get what he needs,” Cole said. “This is exactly what I was praying for. I love Delonte like a little brother, he’s a good person. I really think this will be a turning point for him.”
