Former Duke star Kyle Singler has sparked significant concern following a troubling Instagram video where he expressed feeling unsafe and mistreated. In the brief clip shared Tuesday morning, the 36-year-old appeared shirtless and conveyed feelings of neglect and abuse, stating, “I fear for my life every day.”
Singler described his experience of being perceived as a potential problem in his community while attempting to be helpful. He expressed frustration over not being valued for his strength and purpose, leading to a deep sense of unease.
The post quickly garnered over 1,200 shares within hours, eliciting an outpouring of support from fellow NBA players. Notable responses came from Kevin Love, who offered his love and support, saying, “I love you Kyle. Hit me whenever. Please,” along with Isaiah Thomas’s affirmation: “Here for you bro! Always and forever.” Andre Drummond also reached out, assuring Singler that he is not alone.
Singler, part of Duke’s 2010 national championship team and recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament, was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2011. He later played for the Oklahoma City Thunder before his career transitioned overseas and back again.
In a follow-up video released on the same day, Singler appeared more composed while reiterating some of the distressing sentiments from his earlier post. His openness about his struggles has sparked conversations about mental health and the importance of community support in difficult times.
Both Duke basketball and the NBA have not yet responded to the situation. The concern raised by Singler’s message highlights the challenges athletes can face off the court, reminding us of the profound impact mental health has on individuals from all walks of life.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for mental health awareness and support systems, particularly in sports communities. It reinforces that no one should feel alone in their struggles, and that reaching out for help is a vital step toward healing and recovery.
For those facing similar challenges, resources are available, such as the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S., which can be contacted at 988.