Jerry West: Enigmatic Icon Fights Lifelong Battle with Depression
Depression is not reserved for the financially strapped or those that are perceived as physically less than ideal. It is no respect of persons and Jerry West is proof of that.
West holds many distinctions and honors, some debatable—five greatest Lakers, 10 greatest players—and some not debatable at all—he is the player whose silhouette was used to create the NBA logo, 14 time All-Star and 11 time All-NBA selection.
His career, though stellar, was marked with repeated postseason failures. An odd fact for a player honored with the nickname "Mr. Clutch." He did win the NBA Finals MVP award in a losing cause in the 1969 NBA Finals.
West had been used to dealing with hardships as he revealed in an interview with Bryant Gumbel for Real Sports on HBO, due to air Oct. 18. West talks about the abuse he and his siblings endured from his father when he was a child.
These tough situations seemed to deprive West of love, acceptance and validation during his childhood. He speaks of the anger that became a part of his personality from those events. West was driven by a fear of failure, which is consistent with a person still seeking validation.
West's abilities as a player and general manager have brought about a celebrity that he has always been uncomfortable with to a certain extent. While he enjoys and acknowledges the life his is able to live because of his achievements, he longs for moments of refuge where he is just "Jerry."
Quiet in nature, but loud in action is a phrase that describes West well. However, it creates a dilemma and it also camouflages the events that likely created the contrasts.
