2 overall pick of the 1993 NBA Draft, who was paralyzed in a cycling incident last January, admitted to suicidal thoughts in an interview published Wednesday.
The 7-foot-6 former center was hit by a car while he was riding his bicycle in Utah, a block from his home in St. George. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down.
He opened up about his struggles and the feeling of being a "burden" on his family in a lengthy interview with Sports Illustrated.
"I don't know how I can ease my burden. Maybe it's better if it all ends. Yes, those thoughts creep in—and they're real. I never imagine myself acting out." Can. Those ideas, but I definitely have," he said.
Bradley said he was hit by a woman in a minivan who was rushing to pick up her children from school. He said he spent three weeks in the ICU before being taken to the neurological rehab wing. Now, he uses a 500-pound wheelchair that took about three months to build and "costs more than most cars."
"The first time people I'm very close with see me, it's emotional. It's extremely draining," he said.
According to Sports Illustrated, there's now hope Bradley will be able to -- one day -- be able to go from his chair to his bed without any assistance. The former NBA player said this is something that is "possible".
Bradley, who has been described as a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1993 with the No. 2 overall pick. The 7-foot-6 center played the first two seasons. Was traded to the then New Jersey Nets but spent most of his career with the Dallas Mavericks.