NBPA launches mental health program; 13-year vet Dooling to serve as director

The National Basketball Players Association has launched a new mental health and wellness program.

"In recent months, several of our players have spoken candidly about their internal struggles,” NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts explained in a press release. “Their stories have reminded us all that mental health challenges may be faced by everyone, including professional athletes. This is an area that can no longer be neglected. As a players' association, it is our responsibility to provide our members the resources to succeed both mentally and physically. Accordingly, we have decided to make mental health a priority now.”

The announcement comes in the wake of several high-profile players leveraging their platforms for mental health advocacy, including the Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan and the Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love - not to mention the groundwork laid by former Houston Rockets draftee Royce White, who has long advocated for more mental wellness measures.

The initiative will be led by former player Keyon Dooling, who will serve as the program's director. It's clearly a subject near and dear to Dooling's heart; earlier this month, the 13-season NBA veteran wrote an impassioned personal essay which revealed that battles with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from a childhood incident led to his hospitalization and eventual decision to step away from professional basketball in 2013.