Concern is growing in the basketball community for former Duke basketball star and NBA player Kyle Singler after he shared two distressing videos on his Instagram account. The videos, the first posted on Monday night and the second on Tuesday afternoon, featured a visibly troubled Singler discussing feelings of mistreatment and neglect by his “community.” He indicated that he has been attempting to launch a new business since retiring from professional basketball in 2019.
In his messages, Singler expressed distress over feeling silenced and marginalized. He stated, “I need to make an announcement because I feel like my voice is getting silenced and every day, s*** is being thrown my way. My community, f***ed. I have been mistreated and abused.” He reflected on a sense of fear for his life and cited repeated neglect, stating that he has been trying to connect with family and friends to help him start anew.
The second video conveyed his frustration further, describing his current living situation as confining and his experiences as a feeling of being “held hostage.” He voiced concerns over false narratives created around him and sought to express his desire for a supportive environment to launch a new business initiative.
The emotional nature of these videos raised alarms regarding Singler’s mental well-being, prompting support from fellow NBA players. Kevin Love, who played alongside Singler during their youth, encouraged those who know him to provide support and love during this difficult time, highlighting that Singler has influenced many lives positively. Love himself has been open about his struggles with mental health, reinforcing the community’s call to rally around Singler.
Additionally, former NBA players Isaiah Thomas and Andre Drummond expressed their support for Singler, with Thomas saying, “Here for you bro! Always and forever,” to remind him that he is not alone.
Singler is remembered for his accomplishments on the court, having been a central figure in Duke’s 2010 national championship win while receiving accolades such as First-Team All-ACC and the Most Outstanding Player award at the Final Four. Following his NBA career, where he played predominantly with the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder, Singler transitioned to play in Spain and ultimately announced his retirement in 2019 due to personal reasons.
As the basketball community unites to support Singler during this challenging period, there remains hope that he will receive the care and encouragement needed to navigate this difficult chapter. It’s a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support, especially among athletes who may struggle after the conclusion of their playing careers.