Spurs' Walker reveals he suffered sexual abuse as a child

Warning: Story contains graphic content

San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Lonnie Walker IV revealed Thursday on Instagram that he was a victim of sexual abuse as a child.

The 21-year-old, who cut off his distinctive hair on Wednesday, said he first began growing it out in the fifth grade as a coping mechanism after he suffered the abuse.

Walker wrote:

The real truth as to why I started doing this early fifth grade, it was a cloaking device for me. During the summer of my fifth grade year I was around more family. Some that names will be left alone I was around more. I was sexually harassed, raped, abused, I even got accustomed to it because being at that age you don’t know what is what. I was a gullible curious kid that didn't know what the real world was.

I had a mindset that my hair was something that I can control. My hair was what I can make and create and be mine. And it gave my confidence. As of recently I wasn't at my best. Previous History popping up in my head and it sucked mentally "demons" (...) because of this virus, I began to truly look at myself in the mirror and see who I truly was even behind closed doors. Long story short I have found peace and internal happiness through this journey God willingly.

I forgave everyone even the people that don't deserve it why? Because it's dead weight. Time doesn't wait on anyone so why should I waste my time on it? Me cutting my hair was more than a cut. My hair was a mask of me hiding the insecurity's that I felt the world wasn't ready for. But now better then ever. Out with old. In with the new. I have shed my skin mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Life will always be hard. Gotta play with the cards your dealt with and try and make a winning hand. And if you lose. It's never a lost. It's a lesson. I'm gonna be off this for awhile still growing through this. Just know I love each and everyone one of y'all. Peace, love, and happiness.