Cavs guard Delonte West was arrested in Maryland last night because he had two pistols and a shotgun on his possession. All were loaded.
West was originally pulled over for making an unsafe lane change on Interstate 95 while driving a three-wheeled motorcycle and confessed to carrying a pistol. Police eventually found the other two weapons.
Details are sketchy, though the picture painted by the Washington Post is not pretty.
The guns on West's possession included a .357, a 9-millimeter and a shotgun in a guitar case he was carrying.
All were loaded.
West apparently cooperated with authorities, according to the Plain Dealer, and was released on his own recognizance.
The Cavs Danny Ferry released this statement:
"We are aware of the situation and take this matter very seriously. We have been in communication with Delonte and his family. We are gathering more information and will not have further comment until the appropriate time."
Obviously there are a lot of unanswered questions in this story, but it just doesn’t seem like much good can come from a guy driving erratically while carrying three loaded weapons. West grew up in a tough area … but … wow.
Among the questions lingering:
Where was West going?
Why carry so much firepower?
What will the league do about this?
Will the Cavs have their own discipline, or will they play the "let the legal system run its course" card?
West is prone to depression, and gave a very touching news conference last season discussing his struggles. Could this be a dangerous symptom?
Is there a medication issue involving the depression or other struggles at work?
The Cavs have prided themselves on signing and acquiring good guys. West has always been cooperative and fun to be around.
But two pistols — including a .357 — and a shotgun is an eye-opening reality.
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I'm prone to depression and am prone to bipolar disorder, too. Just like half the country. But you don't see me motoring my Harley around town with guns and ammo like I'm being chased by The Terminator.
Nice touch, though, carrying around a shotgun in a guitar case like he's the assassin in "The Day of the Jackal." I yearn for the good old days. Simpler times. Like that time Big Z was pulled over by the cops while driving around Westlake bombed out of his mind like a giant Foster Brooks. Or Shannon Brown getting thrown onto his head out of a club. Or Dan Gilbert putting up his dukes at a bar mitzvah party. Or Danny Ferry banging a sheep at a children's petting zoo and then claiming the sex was consensual. O.K, I made that last one up. Simpler times.
3 loaded guns? Wow. Really, I cannot see David Stern coming down lightly on this as 3 loaded kguns is unprecedented. Sounds a lot like the Maurice Clarett issue of a few years ago, minus the grey goose. I hope DW gets the the help he needs.
You hope he gets the help he needs? I'll write the prescription for what he needs: 6 months in prison.
Actually, now that I think about it, the guy in "The Day of the Jackal" would never put a shotgun in a guitar case. He was too slick for that. That's so Al Capone. No, West is more like Mad Max, or maybe Snake Plissken.
Was he carrying a mapquest with directions to Dwight Howard's house? I would think you would need a few pieces to get past the bodyguards.
lots of laughs! our sports society is a mess! get rid of him! character is more important than talent. get rid of him.
dang i liked delonte 2
delontes still my dude i hope he dont do somethin like this again tho
why is delonte caring this stuff around with him on his motorcycle. i think that the cavs need some one else to replace him and cut hime. he cant have depression problems playin in cleveland and living in washington. he will mistthe beginningof the season and who knows could be the wle season
I have worked with people w/ Bi polar disorder , he may have stop takin his meds during the off season which is common. Good Kid wish him the best…….
Alan T, If Delonte felt the need to have 3 fireams on him, so be it, you to are just another paranoid idiot… get over it, we the people CAN CARRY FIREARMS,, get it moron
Uhh … not in Maryland, "Bruce."
Maybe someone is followin him… you dont know his life (although yall all think you do) and yall all sayin to kick him off the team cuz of it… ok if it were Lebron i bet no one would say that … Alan you need a life buddy….
This just in, Bruce and Delonte are idiots!
I know things loook pretty sketchy for Delonte, but I've known him and Dimitri for over 12 years.. It appears that he was comming from his old house and going home towrds his new home. DC is a very hateful place and many NBA player and athletes get robbed at home. Look at the list of ball players who had gun issues in the off season in dc. Lonny Baxter, Joe Forte, Rodne White, Keith Bogans, Lavar Arrington, Steve Francis, Johnny Rhodes, Victor Page, and the list continues. I'M NOT EXCUSING THE EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WEAPONS, but lets all pray for the young man. Prior to this incident he was and still has been an upstanding citizen in both the DC ara and the Cleveland area. Having tons of money and not being a celebrity i.e Lebron James, you are more of a target, because your not as known and may not feel the need for 24 hour security. However, Delonte has been warned by numerous inside folk to just relax and keep a lower profile while in DC due to him enjoying the finer things his talents have allowed for him to enjoy.
The DC,PG County, VA ara is riding for you homie.. Stay Blessed and maybe moving ourt of the area would be best for him once he beats this. Again,, his past actions have shown the type of positive and fun loving young man he is. So, don't be too quick to jdge until you are in the same position in life and with the same circumstances.
WELL SAID DCBALLER