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Phil Martelli working to get help for Delonte West after concerning video

The Washington Post / Getty

Former St. Joseph's basketball coach Phil Martelli is trying to get help for Delonte West, one of his former players.

Martelli responded to a social media post from West's St. Joseph's teammate, Jameer Nelson, after a video went viral Monday that shows the ex-NBA guard ranting while in handcuffs on the side of the road.

In the video, West is questioned about an altercation while sitting shirtless with his hands behind his back. The 36-year-old says that he was approached by someone with a gun, then stops answering questions and becomes incoherent.

Another video on TMZ shows a man appearing to kick and punch a fallen West in the middle of the road.

The Prince George County Police Department said Tuesday that West and the other man featured in the video apparently knew one another and neither pressed charges or cooperated with detectives, The Athletic's Shams Charania notes. Additionally, the police officer who filmed West being questioned has been suspended indefinitely.

West's former agent, Aaron Goodwin, confirmed to TMZ on Tuesday morning that West is the person in the videos and is recovering from the attack but seriously needs medical attention.

West and Nelson formed a dominant backcourt for Martelli's St. Joseph's team in 2003-04. The club went undefeated during the regular season before losing to Oklahoma in the Elite Eight.

The National Basketball Players' Association has reportedly maintained contact with West and assisted him financially as recently as this month, Charania adds.

Through eight NBA seasons, West averaged 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He last played for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2011-12 campaign.

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