Miami Heat player Kevin Love reached out to former high school rival and ex-Duke standout Kyle Singler following a concerning Instagram video posted by Singler, in which he expressed deep fears for his life and feeling mistreated and neglected. Singler’s emotional message conveyed his ongoing struggles, stating, “Every day, s–t is being thrown my way. I’ve been mistreated and abused. Neglected. Made into a mental example.”
Love, who has been open about his own mental health challenges, responded with heartfelt support, commenting, “I love you, Kyle. Hit me whenever.” He later shared a message on X, urging fans and the community to rally around Singler, saying, “I would not be who I am today without him. I am forever indebted and love him. To the NBA family, Duke BB family, & South Medford community – let’s show up for one of our own.”
The two players have a long history, having faced each other during their high school days. While Love had a brief but successful stint at UCLA before joining the NBA, where he gained recognition as one of the league’s top shooters, Singler etched his name in Duke’s history by playing a crucial role in their 2010 NCAA Championship victory and was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
After his college career, Singler played in the NBA between 2012 and 2018 with teams including the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder, before retiring in 2019 after a spell overseas.
This situation highlights the need for open and compassionate discussions around mental health, especially among public figures. It is essential for those who are struggling to receive love and support from their communities, and it’s encouraging to see Love publicly advocating for Singler during this difficult time. By shining a light on such issues, both men contribute to the dialogue around mental health, which is a crucial step towards fostering understanding and encouraging those in need to seek help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please reach out for assistance. In New York City, you can contact 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential counseling. For those outside the city, the National Suicide Prevention hotline is available at 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org for more resources.