"I thought about committing suicide ... sitting by my mom taking her last breaths" - 5X NBA All-Star opens up on his struggles off the court in the last 2-3 years
In a recent interview, John Wall shared what life has been like for him in the last few years. The five-time All-Star suffered an Achilles tendon injury in 2019 and was also dealing with losing his family members. His mother died in 2019, and he lost his grandmother just a few months later.
Wall found new life when the LA Clippers signed him this offseason. In an interview at the Salvation of Wake County, Wall revealed that he developed suicidal thoughts battling those hardships. The point guard said:
"Darkest place I’ve ever been in. At one point in time, I thought about committing suicide. I mean, just tearing my Achilles, my mom being sick, my mom passing, my grandma passed a year later.
"All this in the midst of COVID, and at the same time, me going to chemotherapy, me sitting by my mom taking her last breaths wearing the same clothes for three days straight laying on the couch beside her."
🏽“I thought about committing suicide. Tearing my Achilles, my mom passing, my grandma dying a year later, in the midst of COVID. Me going to chemotherapy, sitting by my mom taking her last breaths wearing the same clothes for 3 days straight.”
John Wall on his last 2-3 years 🙏🏽 https://t.co/Kr01c2lqrb
Before his injury, Wall was one of the best point guards in the NBA. His athleticism and ability to easily score buckets helped him make five consecutive All-Star appearances. However, since the injury, things have not been the same for him.
SCARY TERRY VS JOHN WALL 😈
LEGENDARY OFFSEASON DUEL 👀🔥🏀
@T_Rozzay3 @JohnWall #Buckets 🗑
https://t.co/CctVfwlOPS
Wall shared that the hardships he endured made him a tougher human being:
"And I have a great support family behind me. My team, the mother of my kids has been great, my two boys is my motivation for me. I’m looking at all that and I’m like, ‘If I can get through this, I can get through anything in life.’ And I don’t like to brag about this, seriously.Like, everybody goes through something.
"We’re all going through times, nobody’s got it easy, but I don’t think a lot of peple could get through what I went through. And to me to get back on top where I wanna be and seeing the fans still want me to play, having the support from my hometown, this important period means a lot.
I went to find a therapist. A lot of people think, 'I don’t need help. I can get through it at anytime,' but you gotta be true to yourself and find out what’s best for you.”
John Wall already putting in work at the Clippers facility 👀🔥 https://t.co/SDH3YBHu3j
John Wall's experience could inspire millions. Many have doubts about fitness level.
How important is John Wall to the LA Clippers' chances next season?
John Wall could be pivotal for the LA Clippers next season. His ability to score inside the paint and also be active on the boards could make him invaluable to the team. Playing him alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will likely make the LA Clippers competitive in the West.
John Wall putting in work with @CBrickley603 ahead of his upcoming season with the Clippers. https://t.co/aqPlb8IO8i
Aside from his explosive offensive ability, John Wall is also a great defender. He has been a member of the All-Defensive Second team in his career. The team can rely on Wall to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Paul George said @JohnWall was looking good. The separation and shot off the dribble is looking elite. https://t.co/DsAgPWxH1M
The point guard has accepted his role as the third option on the team. If he can fire on all cylinders, the opposition will have a tough time stopping the Clippers.