Kyle Singler, who led Duke to a national championship, has friends and fans worried about his wellbeing.
Kyle Singler, a college basketball star during his time at Duke, has friends and fans concerned for his wellbeing after posting a pair of bizarre videos to his Instagram account.
In the first video, which was posted Tuesday morning, Singler said that he fears for his life “every day.”
WARNING: Explicit language
”Every day, s— is being thrown my way,” he said while walking around a room with very little furniture in it. “I have been mistreated and abused, neglected, made into a mental example. And I fear for my life every day. And people in my community make me look out as if I’m going to be someone that’s going to be a problem and make things difficult for people when I’m only trying to be helpful.
“I feel like I have a certain way about myself and strength and purpose that does not get valued or get treated properly.”
In the second video, which was posted later in the afternoon, Singler aired similar grievances.
“I’ve been in this house for five years and it’s a hole,” he began.
“Everyone has played me into a fool. Creating chaos and narratives, again, to have it be profitable for people,” he said after explaining he tried to bring friends and family into his life to help start anew.
“I’m being held hostage in a certain situation and position to again to create a false narrative,” he added.
Singler posted a third video Wednesday morning, which also contained worrying behaviour, first speaking about a rite of passage and turning the page while also rambling about going through “suffering … blood, sweat and tears.”
“Sometimes easy isn’t so easy,” he says as the video cuts off.
In a reply to Singler’s first post, Miami Heat star Kevin Love offered support for his former high school rival.
Love, who has spoken on his own battles with mental health, wrote “I love you, Kyle. Hit me whenever.”
Love also posted to X, asking fans to show their support for Singler.
“Please shower him with the love and support he needs+deserves. I would not be who I am today without him. I am forever indebted and love him. To the NBA family, Duke BB family, & South Medford community – let’s show up for one of our own,” Love posted.
Former NBA all-star Isaiah Thomas also commented on Singler’s video, writing, “Here for you bro! Always and forever.”
Philadelpiha 76ers centre Andre Drummond added, “You aren’t alone brother! I’m here for you.”
During his time at Duke, Singler helped lead the Blue Devils to a national title and was named NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
He was selected in the second round of 2011 draft by the Detroit Pistons, but played a year abroad in Spain before joining the team. He later played for the Oklahoma City Thunder before retiring from basketball in 2019 after another stint in Europe.