Ruby McKenzie
When the COVID-19 outbreak was at its worst and John Wall was struggling with a torn Achilles and loosing family members, he claims to have thought of killing himself.
The guard, who turned 31 this summer, is looking forward to regaining his form this next season after joining the LA Clippers. Due to injuries, COVID-19, and his old team, the Houston Rockets, not playing him before to joining the Clippers, Wall has only appeared in 40 games over the past three years.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, where he is from, during a garden dedication earlier this month for his late mother, Wall spoke about his recent history. His mother had worked as a volunteer in Wake County.
“Darkest place I’ve ever been in,” Wall said. “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.”
Frances Pulley, Wall’s mother, passed away in December 2019 at the age of 58 after battling breast cancer. Later, his grandma passed away. Wall was struggling with his Achilles injury rehabilitation at the same time.
“We’re all going through times, nobody’s got it easy, but I don’t think a lot of people could get through what I went through,” Wall said. “And to me to get back on top where I want to 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’ve got to be true to yourself and find out what’s best for you.”
Wall said he has a strong support system that includes his team and the mother of his two children. His sons also motivate him.
“I’m looking at all that and I’m like, ‘If I can get through this, I can get through anything in life,'” he said.
Lakers superstar LeBron James’ production company tweeted, “@John Wall we got your back. Always.” James then tweeted, “And I mean ALWAYS!!!!!! Don’t ever question it bro!! Proud of you @JohnWall.”
Wall said he’s happy to have a chance to play basketball again.
“You can tell I’m kind of smiling a lot more, all those types of things,” he said. “I get an opportunity to play with two great players and the sky’s the limit.”
