LIVE UPDATES
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Ricky Rubio has declared his retirement from the NBA, citing mental health challenges that have kept him sidelined for the entire season. The Spanish player, with a 12-year NBA career spanning stints with Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix, and the Cavaliers, shared the deeply personal decision with his followers.
Rubio had initially disclosed on August 5 that he was taking a hiatus from the sport to prioritize his mental well-being, and since then, he has not participated in any games. Reflecting on the difficult period, Rubio expressed, "July 30th was one of the toughest nights of my life. My mind went to a dark place. I kind of knew I was going in that direction, but I've never thought I wasn't under control of the situation."
In his social media post, Rubio detailed the pivotal moment that led to his decision to halt his professional career. He conveyed a desire to share his complete experience at the right time to support others grappling with similar situations. For now, he emphasized the need for privacy as he continues to focus on his mental health, while expressing pride in his ongoing progress.
The retirement announcement not only marks the end of Rubio's NBA journey but also underscores the importance of mental health awareness within the professional sports realm. Rubio's openness about his struggles provides a glimpse into the challenges athletes face beyond the court and reinforces the ongoing conversation about mental health in sports.
