Diamond Deshields: The Comeback | Outside The Lines

Diamond Deshields: The Comeback | Outside The Lines
In this exclusive with Holly Rowe, Diamond Deshields reveals, for the first time, what exactly happened that almost derailed her basketball career.
#OutsideTheLines
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[@RodStrykez]

Can't lie this story hit me hard, and I knew nothing of it before clicking on this video. She just earned a new fan and supporter for sure and I wish her the best going forward!

[@Gatorfan_Cavon]

💯💯💯💯

[@sonja4164]

Exactly. I watch the Chicago Sky every season & I had no idea she was going through it like this. They definitely kept it well under wraps.

[@allsaintscovenantchurch6457]

Wow, powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and great tenacity.

[@jayrichjlr]

absolutely agree. from and NBA fan, this story was captivating. they got me wit this one.

[@williams7446]

Omg so proud of her recovery. She’s very strong, she was optimistic. She’s a star❤

[@newjack1982]

She definitely earned a new fan here. I had no clue about this I’m sitting here fighting back tears lol.

[@corneilmadison6689]

Me neither and im not a Chicago fan but I feel her pain

[@sonja4164]

Indeed. I watched all their games & still didn't know she went through all this.

[@Bella-mx7rl]

Wow. You truly never know what someone is going through behind closed doors. Good on you, D that you were able to push your way back and conquer!!!

[@kennethjacobs3716]

I can remember watching the Bubble games and asking myself, "Why isn't Diamond playing?" Two years later, it all makes sense! They did a good job at keeping everything in house. Blessings to her and so glad she pulled through!

[@sonja4164]

Exactly! I said the same thing! Had no idea.

[@OthelloMarcAnderson]

Your name is Diamond, Harder Than You Think fits perfectly!!!

[@itssewtoya]

Her setback was definitely a comeback. I didn't know this was going on in her personal life, but she is an awesome WNBA basketball player. Yes, winning a Championship and overcoming life challenges.

[@hesocoy]

I'm not going to lie. I shed a couple tears watching this. The thoughts that were running through my head was "DD always injured now, she's injury prone, Oh God, she's hurt again?" Whole time, she's dealing with something potentially life threatening. I didn't know it was this bad.

[@devipittman6926]

I can watch this everyday man. She’s an inspiration and I wish she was still part of the sky

[@sonja4164]

I was sad to see her go. I'll still keep up with her on the Mercury though.

[@ms_boogie]

Shes back!

[@shonda79able]

I cried through the whole video. Bless her heart. She's a survivor.

[@Jay-tp8ol]

Just watched her on Knuckleheads. What a powerful story. And it goes to show people need to be measured in how they speak on athletes because we truly don’t know what they could be going through, physically or otherwise, and they are truly not obligated to disclose things publicly all the time.

[@toddpeterson8909]

In July of 2020 I was diagnosed with the same tumor in my spinal canal, on October 6th 2020 I walked into the hospital for the same surgery and haven’t walked since. The surgery like Diamonds was scheduled for 3-4 hours and like hers my surgery went 7,8 as my wife sat panicked in the waiting room at 9 hours my surgeon finally came out and the surgery was completed. After 7 days in the ICU with people dying from COVID-19 in the rooms around me I was finally sent to inpatient physical therapy. After 3 days with the pain increasing daily I was diagnosed with a staph infection and I had become septic. I was rushed beck to the hospital where a second surgery was performed to clean out the infection and back to the ICU where again all around me people were dying from Covid. On October 31st I was finally moved from ICU to a different facility for inpatient rehab. Daily suicide entered my mind and still does today. Because of Covid the hospitals were shut down and visitors were not allowed. They day before thanksgiving against the recommendations from hospital staff I checked out of rehab just a bit better then the day I checked in. Today I’m a quadriplegic in extreme pain every day. The spasms are extreme, I spend my days at therapy and then back in bed waiting for it to all be over. I’m recently fighting off Covid myself it’s the worst. I wish Diamond all the best and wish my outcome could have been different.

[@lavonnealexander6936]

That is so scary 😦, I am glad you recovered and better now.

[@tyronealexander2131]

What ever you do just don't ever give up or lose faith just continue to pray and fight no matter what.

[@TheLorraine3008]

I have always loved Diamond. I followed her in college. I knew nothing about this story. It makes me love and support her even more. She is truly a superstar!

[@dominiquera6363]

I've been following Diamond's carrer since roughly 2018. I obviously had no idea about this! I am so thrilled she's back and has been able to recover. This was so hard to watch, and super emotional. I can't imagine what she must have been going through. I am just so grateful she came out on the other side a champion. Back 2 Back! Let's go Phoenix!

[@sonja4164]

Yeah I'm in Chicago & watch all the Chicago Sky games, & I had no clue she went through this. They really kept quiet about it.

[@fredricaanderson7071]

Amazing story. I definitely cried, God is so good. Keep Pushin'....

[@geraldkneeland1498]

Yes God is so good 😊

[@DeeDan201]

​@@geraldkneeland1498amen!

[@marissa6642]

Wow what a story! Her strength & determination is very inspiring. I’m glad she’s back on the court. Diamond was one of my favorite players at Tennessee. Love the way she plays!

[@didnthearnobell]

Didnt know who she was before seeing this, i dont reallly keep up with the WNBA. But this chick is a badass, the determination/will/spirit/fight she has truly is unbelievable. She's got a new fan for life

[@agrey832]

Amazing video!! I've been watching her since her rookie season and I legitimately had NO IDEA. It's truly amazing to see GOD work!! 😲

[@AJTheBosz]

Had me in tears just seeing her like that mane🥺 Yk she tuff when she overcomes sum like this and then turns around and wins a WNBA title‼️ Girls the toughest out here❤️‍🩹🦾

[@KAHLIL216]

God Bless her and it’s heartwarming to see her journey! Keep pushing because you are and inspiration to us all!

[@flashe2611]

Underrated story. Needs wayyyyyy more light shed on this.

[@ralphthompson355]

Somebody definitely dropped the ball on marketing this story.

[@skillz78]

Agreed

[@pacman531984]

That’s a different level of ambition and work ethic not to mention she is absolutely gorgeous. Amazing story

[@tyronealexander2131]

This young lady is a true champion hands down I myself like others followed her career I've always seen her skills set like Mike and Kobe just unstoppable and after watching this hands down she's one of the toughest female athletes I have ever seen just to over come this just wow I will always support and be a fan of hers. I also see a movie in the making for the comeback what a story.

[@srb980]

WOW. Just WOW… Thoughts, prayers and high fives to this superstar player. The story is heart wrenching and amazing. It’s ending is even better. I will be watching and rooting for Diamond. You go Girl💪🏾

[@marcusrhill]

I really wish ESPN had done this story sooner. Unless I'm late to the party

[@sonja4164]

It seems like she wanted to stay under wraps until now. I watched all the Chicago Sky games & had no idea this was going on. They didn't talk about it.

[@marcusrhill]

@@sonja4164 i get that but this is something inspirational especially if u remember all the stories from 2020. This is big to me

[@sonja4164]

@@marcusrhill I feel you. It's inspiring people now though.

[@Kommunik8Moor]

Diamond Deshields your story is an inspiration to all people. I personally remember watching you at North Carolina and loved your game. The folks back in your dads hometown and state of Delaware proudly support you and your family. Stay strong young sista and embrace your future. God choose you to show many of us your light. Let it shine brightly for the universe to see.

[@jeremiahtalkssports1832]

Wow. God bless her, and so glad that she kept fighting and stuck with it. Glad she is ok.

[@yonye.]

I shed a gangsta tear

[@Smooveandpretty]

Her recovery clips were amazing to see. I’m so happy for her n her desire to play is motivating.

[@tajacummings6619]

Always have been one of my favorites since aot and norcross days this had me fighting back tears

[@lavonnealexander6936]

Wow this hit me hard because I almost had stroke three years ago. I am still recovering and I was in and out of hospital. I know how diamond feels.

[@scottdog4709]

Everytime I need to be encouraged and inspired I watch this…just incredible

[@tboyd4542]

What an incredible story. I was a fan prior, but now definitely a lifer. Hats off to you Diamond for not giving up. What strength you displayed, and hats off to your camp for keeping your story behind closed doors until you were ready to let the world in. Much respect, God bless.

[@mypeople1stwilliam]

I had no idea. Great come back.

[@gparejaf1]

Brave woman inspiring to watch thanks

[@classicalmusicwithatwist3295]

Her story brought me to tears. Great Courage, I’m a true fan. Thanks for not giving up ❤❤❤

[@coleenjorden1371]

To God be the Glory! You are an inspiration for so many! I just had Cervical Spine Surgery in March, much older than you but yet you are my inspiration to not only get well but be better! Continued Prayers and Blessings to you and your family. You Go!!!!

[@geraldkneeland1498]

Praying for you 🙏

[@ms.inspiration385]

Thank you, Diamond, for every play you make and your resilience. You are a true inspiration!

[@jeanwarford5994]

I know Diamond personally and she is such an awesome person, strong and driven. Love her comeback 😍

[@Ace0001]

Wow,I never knew Diamond went through all this! She was one of my favorite players when she was at N.C. I always thought she was special & had SWAG! Glad 2 know she made it back! To God be the glory!!!

[@rosemontee2137]

I had no idea this happened to her! I love you Diamond we are rooting for you!!!!❤

[@crystal3591]

Wow just seeing her play today and knowing she went thru that makes me want to cry! You are such an inspiration to me and many ppl.

[@JazMadeIt]

Amazing story. Thank you for sharing it!

[@darryltara773]

OTL always brings the great sports stories and this is definitely one of them. You never know what other people are going through.

[@georgenewilson661]

I am inspired by you Diamond. You worked your way back and I am super happy for you. Thanking God for your restoration ❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻

[@heiress1185]

Thank you Diamond DeShields ❤

[@nkrumahhowell3723]

I'm incredibly humbled by this story bc I've watched & followed her teams & game, but didn't know any of this until today... Bless up.... 🙏🏼✌🏽💚

[@fjhanaebrady79]

Prayers for you Diamond!! You are incredible and an inspiration!! It takes alot to share your story, thank you!!

[@Mdmeskywlkr007]

very powerful. I've been following Diamond and the Sky forever and had no clue. Big ups to her and her team for recovering strong. I'm sure the decision to keep this journey private wasn't an easy one, esp with the criticism she got from the media the past few years. She's a star and a mf'ing champ. No one can take that away from her

[@mbo68]

Diamond was at Norcross High School (GA) at the same time as my kids so, I have been following her since then. During that time the men and women teams both won state titles. She was the best basketball player in the school! I'm so glad to see that she is doing well now.

[@aaronhamilton5938]

Wow… she’s a real one

[@CutYaCamer_ON]

Wow, she was my favorite her rookie year, and I never knew.. got me over here crying and smiling, girl I gotta go find to social media..

[@MicroTex23]

Wow, talk about a MIRACLE, thank God she is able to walk, run, play the game she loves. Keep shinning Diamond Deshields your name is one of the toughest rarest gem around and you are proving you are worth everything good to lies ahead. I have been watching you since college and I had no clue you were going thru this until I saw it on ESPN. Keep shinning like a diamond.

[@zeerogers3787]

Wow...much respect. Welcome back 💪🏾

[@MrSmootheGroove]

Love stuff like this!!

[@maddogmcgraw517]

Strength & resilience! I salute that young lady & look forward to watching her ball out for years to come

[@missbettybunny]

Omg! What an inspiring story! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@luminaraunduli2791]

You were THE MAIN REASON for me becoming an all-in Skytown super fan in 2018/19, and I know I'm not alone on that. Your game was smooth as silk and stronger than steel, I was sold! I said in 2019, "Diamond can be league MVP one day." You are so much more than that now - life MVP. Love from Skytown forever for Diamond 💙💎💙

[@along58]

Wow! This story literally had me in tears. What a comeback story!! She made an instant fan out of me!

[@32dashit]

WHAT AN AMAZING STORY, COMEBACK & TRIUMPH FOR DIAMOND!!!! I REMEMBER SEEING HER PLAY IN HS N COLLEGE. WHAT AN ATHLETE N EVEN BETTER PERSON. TRULY AN INSPIRATION!!!! BLESSINGS ✌🏿❤️🙏🏾

[@anthonynorman4062]

💎💎💎💎 truly living up to the namesake. Keep going man, love to you as you continue your journey

[@BruceWayne-wn7ww]

This inspire me to bounce back from my downfall in life. Somebody else always has it harder than you. You Go Diamond!!!!!!

[@mikee5213]

I didn't know any of this, but glad that I do now. I love her story and journey. U go girl!!!

[@zltp10]

She definitely has gained a new fan in me !! Also shot out and mad props to her team and camp for keeping this situation out of the sports media and off of social media !! Something that’s really unheard of in this day and age

[@bobbiwarford335]

amazing!! wow great story! what a comeback!

[@atinystream]

This is powerful! I’m a new fan!

[@cashdarell]

I honestly never heard of her until I clicked on this video, Diamond you just won my heart, and a new fan.

[@w.c.5302]

I had to pause a couple of times to stop from crying. Diamond truly was a warrior for giving herself the opportunity to fight when most would have just given up.

[@tynishaitisme5103]

One of the best to ever do it and so many people have no idea! Love you Diamond

[@sharondc9536]

Wow! Wow! Wow! A very moving and inspirational story of courage, inner strength. and determination.

[@513ella]

DeShields will always be the coldest player, but the amount of courage and strength it took to overcome - I will forever be in awe!

[@sheenapinder717]

This is my cousin! 💪🏾 You got this family! You definitely will make a huge comeback 🎊 We believe in you and have faith🙏🏽

[@etim_John]

Great story! So powerful!

[@cameron357]

Woow!! God is amazing... you go girl!!!!!!!!!! 😭

[@devans1266]

Diamond I love your story and the strength and struggle and Heart . To work your way back as a person and second as a Athlete you are loved…

[@yisroel5556]

Bruh gods got you girl keep doing what you really aspire to and no one can stop you. There’s only one way up ⬆️ you can do whatever tf you want! Go girl! God bless you keep it up 💯!!

[@tlmas1914]

TEARS TEARS TEARS.....I LOVE STORIES OF THOSE WHO DECIDE WHAT IT WILL BE! A GREAT INSPIRATION TO ANYONE FEELING LIKE THEIR LIFE OR CAREER IS OVER! KEEP IT UP SOLIDER AND I WISH YOU NOTHING BUT THE BEST!

[@maryiced3931]

Absolutely amazing what she went through and came back to play basketball 🏀. Most people would have been happy to be able to walk in a straight line. This woman is incredibly strong and has outstanding and very unique determination.

[@taishahudson4393]

Diamond! She’s an inspiration to everyone! I love watching her play.

[@bigdemetris]

I love her game and her swag!! She is a true warrior! Had me in tears. I true come back Queen!!

[@humblyme7773]

Diamond Deshields You Are Such An Inspiration!!! I'm so inspired after watching You Fight to comeback. May The Almighty Bless You Always.

[@NIVRAMRENDRAG]

This puts everything in perspective, we trip off little things. This is an inspiration

[@basketball255tz]

This is so INSPIRING..! The way she Came Back

[@jenellesolomon2392]

Beautiful story ❤️

[@mprest10]

Wow. Just amazing. Way to go Diamond. You’re an inspiration! 🏆🏆🏆

[@talikahylton401]

Love you shields glad your back and healthy ❤️🫶🏾

[@rlg826]

When they say "You don't know my story" ........ the quiet struggles that people go through, their personal battles and their fights. I'm a new fan!!!

[@oscardagrouch5095]

Amazing story WOW

[@darshawn12able]

God bless you and your family diamond

[@KDRusha]

I be telling y’all, the WNBA can be just as interesting as the NBA if you want it to be

[@MekaM83]

💯

[@Fleeboy_marcus]

Definition of ball is life 💯🙏🏾

[@bknyte23]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️. My heart goes out to her she's a testimony to be a warrior beyond the unseen.

[@jazandjaxk5051]

Profound and Humble Congratulations!

[@kaddyshakkgolf]

Been a fan of Diamond's since her freshman year at UNC! Had no clue this was going on but great to see she is back out there!

[@realone8329]

I had no idea but awesome comeback and this should be such a inspiration to those who wanna give up keep going

[@JJVoo]

I watched her father play, and was a big fan of her brother, Delino Jr., when he played for my favorite team, the Texas Rangers. Now I’m also a Diamond fan! Truly an inspiring story. Best of luck to you Diamond in the WNBA and in life.

[@elliotm1169]

So inspiring. 👑

[@ashum4]

This is Inspiration from a young brave woman. It gives hope.

[@sebanapo]

Just WOW! I’ve never seen a word about her before clicking this She’s totally my new fav! Praise God 🙏🏼✨💯

[@jackbrown7269]

this was really deep but i loved this Story about her God bless u