The NBA community was recently shaken by the heartbreaking news of Nathan Barrett’s passing, the younger brother of Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett. In a candid interview, RJ Barrett shared his emotional journey, revealing how he’s coping with the loss and finding solace in the game he loves.
A recent tweet by TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) sheds light on Barrett’s emotional state, stating:
“NBA’s RJ Barrett Emotional Over Brother’s Death, Trying To ‘Figure It Out’.”
NBA's RJ Barrett Emotional Over Brother's Death, Trying To 'Figure It Out' | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/tupTbD3Z2I
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) March 29, 2024
This heartbreaking news adds a layer of understanding to Barrett’s recent absence from the court.
Just days ago, news broke that RJ Barrett’s younger brother, Nathan, had passed away unexpectedly. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. The tweet by TMZ Sports emphasizes the emotional toll this loss has taken on the young NBA player.
RJ and Nathan Barrett were known for their close relationship. Growing up, they shared a passion for basketball and often trained together. While Nathan wasn’t projected to be an NBA player himself, he was a constant source of support and encouragement for his older brother.
Processing the Pain: Star RJ Barrett Takes a Leave of Absence
Following his brother’s passing, RJ Barrett understandably took a leave of absence from the Toronto Raptors. This decision highlights the importance of mental health in professional sports. Athletes are human too, and they deserve the time and space to grieve the loss of loved ones.
According to the TMZ Sports tweet, RJ Barrett recently returned to practice with the Raptors. While he is attempting to move forward with his basketball career, it’s clear that his brother’s death continues to weigh heavily on him. He has spoken openly about the difficulty of “figuring it out” in the wake of this sudden loss.
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