The Mishandling Of Mental Health In Sports

Popovich deep dive - • The Two Faces Of Gregg...
2nd channel (post game reactions) - / @alsorustybuckets
Follow me on twitter- / rustybuckets321
Rudy's newest video - • The WEIRDEST Jersey Co...
Outro song is Chill Day by Lakey Inspired:
• LAKEY INSPIRED - Chill...
#NBA #BenSimmons

[@youngreckless97]

As a mental health counselor I am very happy you made this video. I'll never forget the lack of support a kid I know in HS received after getting a concussion. The guy was never the same and depression took him over. The worst thing you can do is undermine someone's mental illness. I'll never do that to my kids the way my family did to the youth within the family.

[@shugapro3060]

Sorry, not relevant

[@kyvsthewrld]

Idky people mental health has a stigma. It’s purely biological and genetic its not “all just in your head” the brain actually gets affected. This is researched by doctors who are experts and its the same as any other illness. If you have symptoms of a diff chronic illness you would take it serious right. So why not take ben simmons serious? He’s clearly shown many signs that he has anxiety and deserves help.

[@youngreckless97]

@@shugapro3060 you just going around stating people’s irrelevance. I think we all know who needs a friend here. You seem bitter. You’ll be okay bud

[@nightfall224]

@@shugapro3060 your not relevant bro 😐

[@shugapro3060]

@@youngreckless97 I wasn’t stating your irrelevance, I was stating your comments irrelevance. I’d advise learning how to read

[@whooshbait4161]

I can heavily relate to Ben. When I was in the Marine Corps a lot of people questioned the legitimacy of my mental health issues. Mainly because I was seen as the tough Sergeant and was also pretty much always in a "good" mood. It should be cliche by now, but everyone should know just because you can't tell on the outside, it doesn't mean that person isn't struggling with mental health.

[@jakobreagan2592]

I plan to join the marines in a few months when I’m out of high school thank you very much for your service vets aren’t appreciated enough nowadays

[@whooshbait4161]

@@jakobreagan2592 Hope you enjoy your time in. Boot Camp seems terrible at the time, but looking back it's got some of the funniest moments I can remember lol.

[@jakobreagan2592]

@@whooshbait4161 thank you I really appreciate it I’ve had some friends join already and they’ve said the same thing

[@thewriter8762]

@@whooshbait4161 I can understand that. I am bipolar and so often I’ve lived with holding in my feelings because I’m always thought to be a “good guy” and a “good worker”. And whenever I got moody, I was told that I was acting “like a female” and “it was my time of the month”. It’s so hard to be yourself and what people need.

[@jakobreagan2592]

@@night6724 anxiety isn’t something you can just fix man you can work on it and still have it

[@hdvids24]

tbh just mental health in general, people pick and choose who they wanna back (kevin love, demar derozen for examples) and who they don't (paul george, ben simmons and simone biles during the recent olympics) when it comes to mental health issues, when we should be consistent with backing everyone when it comes to mental health.

[@leroyrodgers6089]

Bro, that's an excellent point. We need to back everyone.

[@kworthington24]

I think this is problem aswell. If we treat every case the same then we completely shutdown the conversation about it. It doesn't allow us to solve problems it just basically makes everyone have to shut up about the issue. Allowing people to abuse it. Ofcourse back people suffering but be aware it will be used by others to end conversations and stop the conversation. We need criticism yes it can be rough sometimes but it is needed to address the issue.

[@Kennyisdarkvanilla]

Except every situations different. That’s why you need to have a mental health professional analyze everything. The fact the Ben didn’t want to meet with Sixers MHPs is what has me questioning him abusing the situation. I work as a crisis counselor and you can’t always take the patients word for it cuz some people try to manipulate the system.

[@16montana24kobe]

@@Kennyisdarkvanilla he was talking to a professional from the nba player union tho

[@bobbyjankins3796]

To add to your point, many star players mental health is never questioned unless they themselves bring it up. For example, I wonder how AD feel about people making fun of him being injury prone

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

Ben's unwillingness to shoot in games (despite his off-season mixtapes clearly demonstrating that he can in fact shoot) speaks to the man likely suffering anxiety, at the very least. General anxiety disorder is comorbid with depression, as well as other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. So yeah, we should probably believe Ben

[@landwardowl0670]

Thats a good point. i never thought of it like that.

[@jdgormo9686]

It’s very dangerous to assume and predict someone’s mental health issues especially if you don’t know who they are. Never do that. And just as a sidenote Ben Simmons can’t shoot, his percentages and attempts show it. If you believe off season mixtapes as a good test of a players ability you clearly don’t know enough

[@johnachebe6022]

Stop making excuses for him. He’s a grown ass man making millions of dollars & u here talkin bout mental health. He doesn’t put the work in & that’s that

[@coolguy5412]

Mix tapes don’t mean anything. Steven Adams goes 30/30 in offseason footage

[@mattschumacher4581]

@@jdgormo9686 you are right that it is dangerous to diagnose a person you don’t know but I think you are mistaken. Of course, Ben isn’t a good shooter but he’s not just scared of shooting. We all saw that picture of Ben and Trae Young under the hoop. He is scared to attempt any kind of shot bc he knows that he will be fouled and sent to the line. He clearly has mental health issues and needs help. After the playoffs, the Sixers basically threw him under the bus and there were all these rumors of them wanting to trade him. But they never did, and then Ben was expected to just go to practice and act like everything was normal even though he knows that they don’t want him anymore. I’m not surprised that he acted like he did at practice. The man needs help.

[@AnxiousJoe]

As a tennis fan as well as an NBA fan, I was super proud of Naomi Osaka's actions regarding mental health this year. I hope to God Simmons isn't just using this situation to his advantage, and if he isn't, I really hope he's going to get better soon

[@jbthestoner5504]

If he's gonna use that as a reason not not do his job, he's needs to actually try and help himself, and it seemed like he wasn't trying. That's just the feeling I get from that situation. I wish nothing but the best, but this whole situation has been nothing but bad looks for him.

[@revthadon8868]

I still gotta check her Netflix doc out

[@16montana24kobe]

@@jbthestoner5504 his unwillingness to want to be open with the franchise that has repeatedly thrown him under the bus is at least some what understandable. Also I’m not really going to cry tears for a billion dollar company missing out on millions

[@augustbailey7361]

@@16montana24kobe the franchise didn’t throw him under the bus a coach did

[@TeemoQuinton]

@@16montana24kobe "Repeatedly throw him under the bus" literally only once and it was deserved criticism

[@thatguyperseus]

I’m really glad that we’re having more open conversations on mental health. It takes a LOT of courage for these athletes to come out and talk about it. The next and most important step to treat all athletes as people. Mental health shouldn’t be a debate.

[@BigBK34]

I don't know if it takes courage but yeah I hope Benjamin is okay.

[@thatguyperseus]

@@BigBK34 I think it does, especially if your in the spotlight that a player like Ben is in. I’m not really a huge Simmons fan but there’s no denying intense the criticism can be

[@cyberft]

People who have mental health issues cannot be paid 10s or millions of dollars a year.

[@kxyoto8541]

@@cyberft I mean they can. Don’t get me wrong, Ben and people in his position are privileged and are blessed enough to be able to do what they love while making millions a year. But mental health issues has no bounds.

[@damarionjones4969]

@@cyberft so just because he gets paid 10s and millions of dollar a year means him having a mental health issue is not a big deal today's society man

[@Flumenow]

Rusty you have my respect man. Thank you for posting this video. Ive been ignoring the fact that i dont feel well, all because im supposed to “be manly”. Ive been like this for 3 years, ever since my own mother said that the only reason im “sad” is because i slept in the garage ( we built a room, and it is very private). I think that soon i will look for help. Thank you again, Rusty.

[@4xpbroyalderp295]

Good stuff man, don’t let anyone else invalidate you because only you truly know what is going on within yourself.

[@shugapro3060]

Definitely didn’t ask

[@nplanets9603]

Nothing weak about loving yourself. Get the help you need. I think everyone could use some sort of therapy or meditation.

[@yusuke5124]

Hope you get better & get the proper help man 🙏🏾

[@michaelthomas1087]

@@shugapro3060 your part of the problem

[@christ.7594]

Not gonna lie: when I heard Ben Simmons claiming mental health issues, I assumed that he was faking it to get out of being fined ... I didn't even think about it. Thank you for your nuanced perspective on the whole affair, that leaves me rather humbled. If it's not the best deep dive you have done so far, it is definitely the most important and, I hope, most impactful!

[@yourenotfunny2905]

Shame on you

[@timmyt1293]

He is lol

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

He is faking it. Don’t let this video gaslight you into believing any different. As soon as he’s traded to another team, all of a sudden his mental health issues will be gone and he’ll be ready to play.

[@akenoasia5022]

@@night6724 It’s not about the spotlight. If you paid attention to the context of the situation and to the actual video you’d realize that having you whole organization, fanbase, and basically league give up on and shame you is not something anyone can just come back from

[@akenoasia5022]

@@douglasmurdoch7247 it’s not gaslighting. He jus clearly cares more about being open to perspective and not just assuming someone else’s mental state for the sake of a narrative. Something your clearly unable to do

[@lunalunaluna666]

as an anticapitalist who has the misfortune of being obsessed w the nba i’m so appreciative i found ur channel n just thx for what u do!!

[@aaronryan8979]

Excellent piece rusty As someone who has been put down with the “fake” mental health brush before no one knows what’s going on inside Another persons head being labelled as faking it is extremely damaging and hurtful

[@thedude9046]

So damaging that it can get to the point where you yourself wonder if you are faking it. That is one of the worse things to happen and it puts so much more pressure on yourself

[@testingmyaudioaddiction3452]

The main thing that makes me question the legitimacy of his claims is that the 76ers have bent over backwards to cater to Ben’s skills as a playmaker. Ben hasn’t given anything to an organization that has done so much for you. I am skeptical, but I lean with Ben in the argument (about a 60-40 clip, depending on the day, sometimes leaning toward a closer to 100-0. Usually I cap at 90-10 in Ben’s favor.) because I have dealt with mental health issues myself.

[@collinlooman8490]

you were one of my favorite creators until this video. now you’re by far my favorite. this is great shit man. glad someone said something.

[@rustybuckets]

you had me in the first half not gonna lie

[@Xiondest]

Saw rusty respond and was expecting to see sum beef before reading everything correctly, good stuff

[@Alberthoward3right9up]

@@rustybuckets I just subbed because of this video. Best by light years on this situation. Ben also stated around all-star break last year his mental wasn't right. This and your recent take on Steven a Smith is right on the money..👏👏👏👏

[@urbaindelva7869]

We should never presume to know what someone thinks or feels. We can't read their minds and we are not them, so all we should do is be respectful of them and what they're dealing with. We should all be a voice for them to hear, a shoulder for them to cry on, a hand to help them up, and an ear to listen to them.

[@kyvsthewrld]

fr and the symptoms for ben simmons is there it cannot be denied. for the contract talk too that’s probably rich paul’s doing not ben simmons complaining. people dont realize that. obv simmons wants the check but he was willing to get hit with the pay loss but paul prob did what was best and said what’s rly going on,

[@wyal8926]

Rusty, as a political science and sociology major in my junior year, your comparison between the dehumanization of Ben and the dehumanization of workers is SPOT ON! The fact that you are willing to make these comparisons in an NBA video speaks wonders about your character as a human being. Keep going man you're making a bigger impact on people than you might think...

[@crazedclone7730]

Also, in addition, the whole thing about fining Ben for not showing up to the 76ers specific psychologist is insane. Different people mesh better with different therapists. Anyone who has been to therapy knows that sometimes a therapist doesn't feel right, and some do. This kind of rule forces Ben to get help that might not be helpful to him, instead of choosing a professional that's best for him

[@nickvorreas260]

I watch your videos for about 3,5 years and this is your best video yet. As a person who struggles with depression for the last 15 years, i thank you about publishing it. This conversations are opening up more frequently and this is a good sign. Keep up the good work!

[@thedevilspoet8757]

I have struggled with anxiety which has hindered me in sports more than any physical injury and I completely get it I really feel for what Ben has been through, I just hope he has friends who will be at his side no matter his player status.

[@nbabackcourtmedia]

Glad that deep dive is back, and I’m glad you’re tackling this often ignored subject

[@childishmanliho]

as an athlete who has always struggled with mental health and who is very happy to see more pros acknowledging the existence of mental illness, i really appreciate this video

[@plantbasedking]

As an Economics teacher, you nailed the description of capitalism and the American viewpoint on workers labor. Great job on a serious topic, left a like.

[@cyberft]

As an economics professor, do you identify as more of a capitalist or a socialist?

[@treysparling5924]

Or as the kids would say, based

[@user-zl1yn6ys1c]

Keynesian or Austrian?

[@user-zl1yn6ys1c]

@Dennis Menace because mmt is garbage so i don't care to ask. Not interested in anything about Marxian either. Maybe I'm asking because I'm studying these things.

[@user-zl1yn6ys1c]

@Dennis Menace who's claiming to be an economist? I bet you vote, too. Can there be a day where there's no weirdos replying to me that no one was speaking to?

[@CTWEsports]

I’m 20 years old, from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 And I have suffered from depresión, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and attempts I still have depression and it’s not an easy thing to fix, I don’t like Ben Simmons has a player at all, but as a human being I 100% understand him Btw Great video Jacob🔥

[@michaelheckman3474]

As a 19 year old who's also gone through all the same stuff and is still getting past it good luck ! Stay positive !

[@tuba4573]

I dont think anyone understands how hard it must be on your mental health if EVERYONE sees you fail and makes fun of you for it

[@cbass1018]

I love that you showed the relation between workers under capitalism and stigmatization of mental health issues. Much respect.

[@SteveSolkela]

We do it to our favorite KZbinrs too. Forgetting you're real people behind that screen. Rusty, I will most likely never meet you in person, but you have enhanced mine and plenty of other lives. Being a human is what makes you so special as a sports analyst. I been a fan for a while now, love to see the rise! I hope you accept my validation. You're real good at what you do Hoss. Keep it up

[@westwilson1083]

Honestly I would say this is your best video ever made, great job on such a crucial and sometimes overlooked subject in not just sports, but the world in general, and you did a great job on elaborating on your point

[@franknwogu4911]

this is why millenials and genz are unsuccess, we are idiot you blame capitalism for the worlds problems yet you live and work in the capitalist system make up your mind

[@westwilson1083]

@@franknwogu4911 notice how I didn’t attack the entirety of capitalist society but only the fact that mental health is so overlooked? Read into it a bit more frank

[@franknwogu4911]

@@westwilson1083 overlooked by whom?

[@westwilson1083]

@@franknwogu4911 the CEO’s owners of big markets, people who demand business, as long as we are well enough to produce for them, they do not care about us, and if we aren’t we are cast aside and replaced

[@John2000sBaby]

soft

[@snipe63]

When I was open with my highschool coach, he used my mental health against me. Every time I'd make a mistake, next practice he would say "You gonna die from running before you kill yourself" amongst other things. Needless to say, I switch high schools

[@starwarsnewsandmemes8289]

Here's the thing that makes me mad the most: If a player ever commits...worst case scenario-cide over their mental health issues, the media personalities who accused them of faking it and probably pushed them to it will find a way to virtue signal the way they've been accusing others of.

[@CarrboroKidd]

You’re a hero in my eyes for touching this subject and not only informing but being so eloquent about it, hats of sir. I’m thankful to be in a good place mentally and health wise now but I know how consuming those dark thoughts can get. 🙏🏽💙

[@jbug1979]

Good of you to shine a light on this, Jacob. I appreciate it.

[@danielharris6867]

Only just getting in to basketball and finding this channel but with videos like this I think that I will be a fan for a while. Thank you for how you look at this issue and the side you choose to stand on it.

[@shuloonedery9927]

Wow, what a great video. We gotta also remember Paul George took a lot of shit when he mentioned his mental health strugles in the bubble. That one pissed me off too. Thanks for having the balls to make a video about a touchy subject. Peace from Boston.

[@thewriter8762]

I was in a similar position to Ben so I can really sympathize. I was in an academic program that I took lightly. Then when it got really serious and advanced, I fell behind and fell into a deep depression and I couldn’t blame anyone but myself. I shut down at a point and I pushed to get out of the program and the moment I got out I felt so much better feeling the pressure release. Ben had a hand in the situation he’s in and should take responsibility, but I believe him when he says he has mental health issues. Because to play for a city that has boo’d you and players and coach can’t be easy. You have to have a different mentality to get over it.

[@Conquistador76]

This was an incredible video Rusty. We sports fanatics have a tendency to raise the stakes to this impossibly high level. I’m glad you touched on the PHX Mercury and Cam Newton’s “Unprofessional” interviews when these were very human reactions to not attaining something that was their life’s work! How can they not be upset? In spite of covering the NBA as your career, it makes a lot of us happy that you are shedding light on the lack of humanity in sports. Thanks for another amazing deep dive, we’ll be here for the next one. I think your really outdid yourself here.

[@HieuBris]

I am so glad someone with a platform came out and spoke about it. I for one deal with both depression and anxiety and take medication for it but medication and therapy isn't the only thing you need to become better. Everyone forgets how Ben Simmons is only 25 years old and is A HUMAN BEING. At a very young age everyone around him probably realized that and he was probably taken advantage of a lot and the amount of times he's probably being taken advantage of now is probably unimaginable. I am currently 18 years old dealing with my own struggles which means Ben is barely 7 years older than me and I personally can't imagine being able to live every moment in the spotlight, everyone constantly criticizing you, most of the people around you are fake and taking advantage of you, and everyone of the internet who once praised you is now bashing you down even more. I honestly feel bad because no one is taking his mental issue problem seriously because he's just supposed to "man up" or "get over it", I too have heard those words before and despise them to the very core. It just makes the entire NBA look like a circus for not being able to take a SERIOUS issues SERIOUSLY, it's embarrassing honestly especially in 2021 when "everyone is accepted", but as soon as Ben Simmons a top level player in the top league at a YOUNG AGE gets some sort of mental problems he has to just "deal with it". It honestly pisses me off so damn much

[@xoniye3573]

Hey dude i feel u. OCD kills me

[@jackhamilton3699]

This overall video is so powerful and wonderfully put together, great content as usual Rusty

[@thatguyperseus]

Was waiting for this one, already know this is gonna be a great video.

[@aundredaospreyg6974]

I feel like you’ll bring alotta perspective to a whole lot of people that needed to hear something like that man and that’s appreciated frfr

[@ninjaz0rd]

Great video sir. I was randomly thinking about this situation yesterday (because the NBA lives rent free in my head too) and I just felt sorry for Ben. No one believes him, and his career is potentially being ruined by this front office that refuses to acknowledge how horribly they have handled the team over the years. They are literally holding him hostage and blaming him for it and unfortunately it's working. The masses are eating it up.

[@brandontate960]

My favorite deep dive from you yet. Mental health is a topic I wish was taken more seriously. A player who’s out because they’re depressed or anxious should be taken as seriously as a player who’s out because of a torn ACL or a broken ankle. You can’t force them back before they’re ready or you risk making the problem worse.

[@vruudah3806]

Ben is one of my favorite players. I want to see bro succeed but mental and physical health must always come first

[@josegurrola9021]

Rusty was spot on this whole video. All of your examples and connections were perfect and really pointed out how complex the topic of mental health really is. We put these athletes on a pedestal and view them as larger than life personas but also forget that they are just ordinary people like you and me. One day it will be normal for athletes to sit out a game or series for mental health reasons. It will take some time though

[@SwayzieMayne]

Great point Rusty. To piggyback off of the overall point of the video, the NBA bubble was an eye opener. I specifically remember Jalen Brown talking how his mental health was suffering being in the bubble and being isolated from family and etc. I remember people in the comments calling him an “entitled brat” and telling him to “quit whining because he’s a millionaire playing basketball for a living.” Those players that voiced their struggles with mental health were dehumanized in there. Not surprised (considering some of the people that were saying it) just disappointed.

[@oshawootian685]

Thank you for almost perfectly encapsulating my feelings. You make a lot of sense

[@kauecampos8756]

Congratulations man! This video was amazing, i loved the way you handled this subject. People got to remember that in the end of the day is just basketball

[@JM-kk4wd]

This is the greatest sports video i’ve ever seen. Phenomenal work, I need more of this level of content and production. Masterful job, RustyBuckets.

[@gornothdragnbone5898]

This is one of your best videos to this date, and I'm glad you brought to light a lot of mental health problems that we've been seeing for a LONG time.

[@logankandel846]

This video legitimately made me cry. Thank you so much for creating this masterpiece 💜💜💜

[@ryanneale6501]

thank you for this video man. i was a star player as a freshman, but after an injury i lost my confidence and reached a point where i wouldn’t shoot at all in games. i’m doing better now but they struggle took a lot out of me. i can’t imagine how ben is feeling with this on such a larger scale.

[@CarrboroKidd]

Keep your head up. You’re road to recovery and tenacity for continuing to get after life is inspiring 🙏🏽

[@joew4921]

I never really thought about how mental health was handled in sports, but you made some great points. I respect you for being able to be open about your own struggles as well

[@WickCandle12780]

This was a beautiful video man. Empathy is needed a lot more in general. Thanks for this.

[@turboi1153]

This should be seen by any sports fan. Really thoughtful and good video.

[@aarongrosse3426]

Well done rusty best video you’ve done, including the goat documentary. It’s clear you care about this issue and the production quality, research and the way you deliver your opinion is top class and are a testament to the person you are. Keep up the good work

[@tooforwon241]

Very well said! I wanted to make a similar video for weeks now (albeit with way less effort) but I didn't want to face any backlash for being vulnerable. Thank you so much Rusty 🧡

[@mickyickysticky4730]

Great video rusty It’s very admirable you’re willing to bring up this conversation that a lot of people don’t feel like having and it’s brave of you to take the side of public enemy number one I respect that. I hope we as a culture can de stigmatize mental health and value peoples humanity over their ability to make you money

[@Erin_LaTwonne]

I am subscribed to both of your channels and this by far is my favorite video you’ve done. Today I JUST blocked a channel for saying Ben was faking and calling him lazy and speaking about his money troubles without even truly acknowledging the mental health aspect. This video is important to the conversation and thank you for calling out these so called analysts…

[@Thecallmemisterajp]

First off, REALLY good work here. Appreciate your perspective and it’s really hard to argue with your conclusion at the end of the day. I see both sides in that, especially given Ben’s confidence issues in the playoffs, his mental health probably should’ve been one of the first things in the discussion. Still, the notion of celebrities and public figures does apply to the Sixers organization just as it should apply to Ben (I.e. we really don’t know what’s going on from afar), and one with even a passing understanding of the mental health system can tell you that people with very legitimate mental issues can still be dishonest and milk the system. It’s very easy for me to empathize with Ben for a lot of the reasons you suggest, but he does have obligations at the end of the day and there should be some balance between holding space for his well-being and giving him a get out of jail free card.

[@NealBones]

I'm glad I waited until after work to actually watch this. I love the takes man and I would honestly be open to you bringing up conversations like this(even non basketball related) on the 2nd channel

[@kitwanatyhimba5247]

This post is excellent ✨ Thank you! This is a much-needed discussion.

[@xxx_monte6714]

Finally I’m so glad someone is talking about this.

[@mellowman1020]

And a lot of other people have to go work 50 + hours a week just to pay a mortgage and have food on the table with only the smallest amount of money left over for luxuries. If that isnt taxing on your mental health I dont know what is.

[@velles6095]

Incredible video. Always cool when someone translates a feeling you've been having for a long time but couldn't put into words. Totally agree with you.

[@RunTheNBA]

Excellent video Rusty. A topic as a whole that is very important, yet mismanaged in the sports world certainly. Glad you were able to have this discussion. Well done

[@samstribrid]

Oh god,this reminds of the Sasha banks stuff in 2019,the way the fans treated her,the way some of the wrestling journalists and podcasters completely trashed her character for taking a break while knowing absolutely nothing,for a couple of months,mental health needs to be taken seriously

[@andrewchang7194]

I’m guilty of questioning Ben Simmons’ mental health as well. I realize in hindsight that it’s not really up to me and it’s out of line for me to think that. Thanks for this video because a lot of us sports fans need a reality check that these athletes are still people and that their struggles and concerns are valid despite their wealth and amount of support they have access to. No athlete’s, nor any normal person’s mental health should be open to others’ dialogue unless they themselves ok that conversation. Even if the 1% were faking it, there’s no reason to screw over the other 99% of people who actually have mental health issues. I’m glad you can open up this dialogue about why this dialogue about others’ meant health issues is completely inappropriate.

[@kyleholtzen6739]

Great vid Rusty, people definitely need to look into how we all talk about athletes and celebrities at large. It is not our place to pressure and speculate on the mental health of anybody, especially people in a public eye.

[@king_laws]

I love how you tackled this subject. Really respectful while giving credit to both sides of the argument. Really good work man! and the setup? Baller

[@SirCHRIIS]

The statement about sixers being livid and thought that Ben faked his mental illnes was false and made up and more souces said it was false than the one dude who put the statement out. And also, we didnt fine him for not working with Us, we fined him for not keeping them updated and in the loop with what was going on. Other than that great video, and I think the statement that you made about Mental health should be normalized and accepted regardless of reputation.

[@VictoriatheWolfGirl]

Do you think people with mental health problems actively.update everyone about their situation? No, it can be embarrassing. I wouldn't blame Ben for not doing so

[@blacksheepsoftball]

@@VictoriatheWolfGirl well if he expects to be paid for not playing, that's the least he can do

[@smackddd3339]

@@blacksheepsoftball Idk about you, but I lie about my mental state all the time. One day you're fine and the next day you're not. I understand that IS the least he can do, but that's also the MOST anyone would do. Cuz I would not like my job knowing what days I wanna harm myself and what days I don't. It's embarrassing. And I don't think Ben cares about the money other than the day to day expenses. Plus he's getting fined. I feel what you're saying, but it's not possible a lot of the times.

[@auburnstreyer2843]

Who's this "we" you're talking about? You paying the bills? You calling the shots? "We" don't do anything 😂 shut up

[@3DSDF]

@@smackddd3339 yeah, you don’t have to tell your job about your mental health, however you can’t be upset when they decide to punish you for it in this case. The Sixers are seemingly trying to play their part in helping Ben, but these reports make it seem as if he’s not doing his part of the deal.

[@s.c0044]

I thought this day would never came but it finally did and i will apreciate every second of it.

[@motorboat4350]

This is why Rusty is my favorite NBA KZbinr. He knows how to talk about these subjects in a non dehumanizing way. Not that other KZbinrs don’t try to, Rusty is just the best at speaking on the subjects that others don’t understand how to.

[@nishanthreddy9793]

Bro I love your content so much your basketball vids and now this deep dive mental health is very much ignored by not just the media but also the people around us and I myself am dealing with mental health issues and seeing this deep dive was really great man keep up the great content man

[@Nickthegoatyt2]

You’re really right about everything and I’m a sixers fan so it made me change my thought thank you

[@EmanCollins]

Rusty at 5:26: The dehumanization that athletes experience, and really everyone experiences in a capitalist society where workers...." Me, a history teacher: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TALK YOUR SHIT RUSTY! FUCK YEAH!

[@franknwogu4911]

yikes, you shouldn't be a history teacher capitalist nations have always treated their workers better than any alternative and what's your solutions that doesn't involve theft murder and genocide (like the usual leftist).

[@franknwogu4911]

I just found out that you're a fan of Noam Chomsky. Are you aware of his genocide denial? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHTGiZKuibF3f7s

[@saint.bambino]

@@franknwogu4911 bruh… LMFAOOOO stop bootlicking

[@saint.bambino]

@@night6724 ever heard of the american prison-industrial complex?

[@cjandrewsno]

This video is very much needed! Thank you Rusty! Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re doing AMAZING! Hoping you reach 200k before the year ends!!!

[@beauokechukwu-heider579]

Great video Rusty. I think most of us can appreciate you putting this video out addressing the stigma around mental health struggles and more specifically, mental health issues with athletes. You could’ve made an ESPN-type of topic video and made a deep-dive and chased views, but you did something that wouldn’t be as lucrative in the views department. This is a beautiful video and I really love that you decided to make this.

[@leroyrodgers6089]

This video went very deep, I also wanted to mention that we need to get to a point where employees feel comfortable taking sick leave when they are sick. Same goes with mental health, it might be a great idea to have a few days allocated in sick leave for mental health.

[@vruudah3806]

This video was so greatly made

[@tarentinobg]

Thank you Rusty. This video impresses me with your understanding about the depth of the human condition.

[@miner2365]

love the vid man! Appreciate you having the tough conversation and the editing and scripting on this is A1

[@robertcovingtonstan6591]

As much as anyone hates Ben Simmons, I can never do it, I just really like him as a player, even if he has a clear cut weakness, doesn't everyone? He has such a unique playing style that I'd like to see executed better with another team. Just like I can't ever hate players like Pat bev. I wish my blazers would trade for him, it would be really fun to see him as a blazer. Also being reunited with Roco would be really fun to see. As much as I like him mainly as a basketball player, I do hope he gets better with whatever he's dealing with, it's a shame that he has to be dealing with issues like this.

[@robertcovingtonstan6591]

@@nerothelost9605 You just have to find a way to incorporate him into a system, the thing with unique players like him is that you have to find a way to maximize them in an equally unique manner. Think of the warriors utilized Draymond in an (at the time) unique manner and that propelled him farther than similar players to him like AK47 and Odom. (Skip if you don't want me to gush about Ben Simmons) I see him as the most flexible player in the league if he could be incorporated properly. I'd like to see him used as the ultimate switch guy tossed in at any position with him running around on offense as a secondary ballhandler (except on transition), with him constantly cutting, setting screens, and driving. He has the speed of a guard and the body of a bigman, being able to see him as a rollman who gives the defense less of a chance to stop him. Not to mention if he got traded to the blazers, having him do handoffs and have his man meet him at the 3 because of Lillard's/C.J/ whoever's gravity and sprint to the basket. He could be like fast Nurkic with guard playmaking skills. (Gush over) Point is, if you use him in a cookie cutter player role, he will struggle. However if you incorporate him in a system that uses him as Ben Simmons and not as Point Guard or Playmaker, I could see him being very valuable. In a league where your fit in a team means as much as the talent you bring, you can't underestimate a player being used properly. Just look at the celtics for the past few years as a bad example, with a talent surplus where the fit was always questionable at best. You can also look at the Raptors for the past few years or the Spurs before 2017, they found players that would fit and incorporated them into a system that made that utilized them in a way that made them look better than if they were on other teams. Examples can include players like Corey Joseph, Boris Diaw, Matt Thomas, Matt Bonner, Patty Mills and the list goes on.

[@vlucasfs]

I understand your point but I disagree. Media & people should not stay silent because Ben Simmons is struggling mentally. I'm not denying it and, if it is true, I hope he gets better. If you are a high-profile person, who gets paid a lot of money for doing something, you will be scrutinized, especially when you are not doing what you are supposed to do. Furthermore, Part of your life becomes public. Rusty, you make money as a KZbinr because the NBA is so famous and people like to talk (and listen) about the good, the bad & the ugly of the league. That's why NBA players get so much money because fans spend time and money consuming them... If Ben didn't want anyone to know about his problems, he could have said F... this, give up his money and go deal with his situation privately. But he chose to do it out in public, so he could continue making money. Just because we sympathize with his situation, doesn't mean that he becomes untouchable or his actions unquestionable... Finally, It's not a lie that he has been unprofessional throughout this period.

[@Jsmooth1174]

Right. There is no acknowledgement that Simmons and Paul attempted to leverage themselves to get out of the city prior to making these issues know to them. As a person who has suffered through depression and been suicidal, I can both that Ben should get the help needs and still be held accountable for the actions he took leading up to this. Their is very likely language in his contract which his lawyers read and should have transmitted AND he agreed to. I’m sure Philadelphia is not innocent in all of this but neither is Simmons which is what has led to the scrutiny. To say you cannot question it is to say you don’t understand how contracts between parties work. Empathy is a separate issue that doesn’t play much of a factor when it comes to financial obligations.

[@Jsmooth1174]

Also, if I agree to pay you for something and you decide you don’t want to do it for ANY reason, fine. But I’m going to use every tool available to pry that money back if we did not agree to there being some form or payment in lieu of your absence. That’s one reason they wanted to have him use the team resources. If they didn’t, they’d legally be in the dark about the progress of someone who has already proven himself to be less than forthcoming to their organization. It sucks but it’s also why you should think long and hard about what you sign away when you work for ANYONE.

[@kossiviesse9807]

Thanks for this video, Rusty, gave me some perspective I was really missing

[@DCANNONSTEPSBYKE]

I’m so glad you made this video. I get so upset whenever people say “you’re too soft” for being upfront w mental health issues with anxiety and ptsd. It’s never soft to be upfront with mental health and that stigma NEEDS to be broken. I also appreciate you for giving me a new perspective on the Ben situation, I was neutral on the situation but did think for a bit he was faking. I really feel as if people can easily put their insecurities or pressure on others which leads to dehumanization.

[@bananabonzai]

I’d rather have mental health struggles making millions than have mental health struggles with my current lifestyle

[@VictoriatheWolfGirl]

Mental health struggles are mental health struggles, money or not.

[@joselagos1241]

id rather not have any at all

[@itswilbur52]

@@joselagos1241 that’s what i’m saying i’d rather just be normal

[@jalenking810]

Ok?

[@superduperuberyeah7494]

Good video Rusty.

[@AdrianZynda]

This is easily my favorite video you've made and one of the best videos I've ever watched period. Everything you said in this video was 100% true. You're a real one Rusty!

[@discostuchannel]

Thank you for being honest. It's why I comeback to your videos and its great to see in this day and age.

[@kkjwdfjopwekfjopcdsxzdfsdf3967]

This topic should be discussed more often thank you for opening up. And for those who say mental health is an excuse for the weaklings, then you should be thankful that you are not smart enough to have a mental acumen to take care off.

[@lou70x7]

Hate is not the way grasshopper

[@psychotropnilachtan8869]

Most celebrities talking about depression have absolutely no clue what that word means. Or most people talking about it in general. People who are depressed or went trough it know that talking about is pointless.

[@nicholassapphire2022]

Took some balls to make this video. You're leading a generation, Rusty. Thank you for your dedication.

[@jadenkowalski5087]

Honestly this is somehow one of the best videos on mental health struggles in America period!! Incredible video hope you are doing good with you own journey man!!!

[@PinnacleJW]

Great video Rusty! I really love the messaging and points you've made, both in the context of sports as well as generally in society and corporate workplaces. I think everything you've said is often overlooked and needs to be put out there. Good on you for making this video and bravely putting the message out there. Love your deep dives man. This one especially was very well done and touched upon some really broad issues. Keep it up!

[@ihonestlydontevenknow4359]

HE’S BASED TOO??? OH SHIT LETS GO

[@Yusuf-qo6pt]

I’m 5:48 in and all I gotta say so far is… Rusty you the goat fr

[@thales2535]

What a video bro, such an amazing content and thoroughness. Shout out from Brazil, love your channel

[@kielhenderson6548]

You are one of my favorite NBA KZbinrs and have been for quite a while... after listening to this video, your talents are. Being underutilized. You get it! Don't stop the NBA content, it's awesome, but this is by far the best you've ever made. Mad props

[@QDibieYT]

The Sixers have failed with Mental Health and Confidence in a player with Markelle Fultz before so I wouldn’t trust them.

[@ethanuy2261]

I’m doing a project on mental health in sports. Hoping this is a banger and provides inspiration for me for this project.

[@peterpoldervaart4730]

Thank you! Just, thank you for being a good human being showing compassion to the world

[@MrUknowho99]

Thank you for this Rusty. Much respect.

[@self_interest]

Less than 5 minutes in but this is already amazing

[@pheonixgraves3256]

Love the idea of "He has that so I want that." Why shouldn't everyone get the chance to be treated humanely!? Not difficult folks.

[@benflis1618]

Thank you for putting this out man.

[@tahjjames1425]

This is a really dope well put together video, you hit a really important topic that needs to be talked about more by society in general. Thank you for this masterpiece.