The basketball community has seen enough of Delonte West. Just when things looked promising, the former NBA guard finds himself in handcuffs again. This time it’s over petty pocket change that’s got everyone talking.
West got popped December 21 in Belle Haven, Virginia, for allegedly robbing someone of $23. After the victim identified him across the street, cops arrested the 42-year-old on assault and battery plus robbery charges.
He reportedly paid a $1,000 bond and then got back to the treatment facility. The court set a hearing date for him on March 16.
The twist? A week before this petty robbery story broke, he was celebrating 30 days sober. West shared a video of his progress in an Instagram post, showing him dancing and celebrating the milestone while in treatment.
But now fans are saying they have seen a lot from someone who earned over $16 million during his career. Many are saying that he isn’t eligible to get a second chance.
Fans React as Delonte West Gets Arrested for Stealing $23
The eight-year NBA vet who balled for Boston, Cleveland, Seattle, and Dallas now faces felony robbery charges over lunch money. It’s a harsh reality, especially since people wanted him to stay clean for at least two more months, but now reports about his recovery have taken a hit.
One person wrote, “Anytime a report comes out that bro is doing good or on a good path, he IMMEDIATELY does some shit to prove that report was incorrect.”
Another added, “Stole $23 dollars. That’s his way of saying LeBron James #23 is the one who put a hex on him for smashing his moms.”
A third claimed, “$23.”
The fourth shared, “Yo I’ve never seen anyone been given so many second chances at life and still keep f—- their life up. I just don’t understand how and why people have so much compassion for someone who doesn’t care about a cot damn thing. Why are y’all like that especially w this guy?”
A fifth noted, “N— looks like a coked up treasure troll.”
The sixth claimed, “Sober for 30 days because he was broke. Couldn’t score.”
West’s attorney Brandon Sloane pushed back on the narrative. He told TMZ the case isn’t what it seems. Sloane expressed pride in West for seeking professional help through this situation.
To recap, this is West’s second arrest in Virginia in two months. In November 2025, police found him unconscious and very drunk at an intersection.
Before that, he was arrested in 2024 for trespassing. It’s a tough pattern for someone who has been battling bipolar disorder and addiction since his 2008 diagnosis.
