Delonte West Breaks Silence After Panhandling Video Went Viral

Delonte West went viral recently after videos emerged showing him panhandling in the streets.

While most initially thought that the 38-year-old was down once again, it does not appear to be the case.

At least that is what the 24th overall pick of the 2004 NBA Draft claimed when he spoke to Image Direct (via TMZ) this week.

"It is what it is," West said. "I got children. I'm in between jobs. People can help me as much as they can, but you know, as a man I gotta do what I gotta do for my babies."

This comes months after West appeared to get his life back together. He was in training back in February and appeared on course to make the Big 3 league.

"I was excited to have the opportunity," West said, "I'll be there next season. I'll be there rooting guys on."

All that changed when a fan shared a video of West, looking disheveled led many to speculate he was once again down in the dumps.

A clip of that was shared by The Shade Room.

Compared to the first time he was seen in the streets, West appears to have better control of his life right now.

Hard times have not dampened his spirits and the good thing about West is that is keeping a positive outlook as far as his future is concerned.

"I'm always involved in the game I love. Last year, I was scouting for the Dallas Mavericks and the previous three years, I was an NBA scout for the Boston Celtics," he said.

West has gotten all the chances and perhaps the only thing left is for him to stay patient and stay the course.

The once-lauded combo guard is upbeat that at some point, he will get the right break and weather adversity along the way.

"Prayerfully, luckily I'll be up for discussion this upcoming season," the Maryland native stated.