Pau Gasol publicly acknowledged Ricky Rubio’s decision to retire, emphasizing that the Spaniard’s experience with mental health challenges resonates with many people facing similar struggles. Gasol offered his support on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, writing words of encouragement: “Your courage and strength will help many people. We are with you, Ricky.” His brother Marc Gasol joined with a gesture of solidarity, sharing a GIF of Leonardo DiCaprio applauding in The Wolf of Wall Street as a token of admiration for Rubio’s honesty and resilience (source attribution).
Your courage and strength will help many people. We are with you, Ricky ❤️
— Pau Gasol (via X) (source attribution)
After twelve seasons in the NBA and a period away from the court for mental health reasons, Rubio announced the end of his professional playing career. The confirmation came shortly after reports indicated a contract termination between Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In accompanying remarks, Rubio opened up about the mental health challenges he has faced in recent times, offering a candid look at the personal toll of high-pressure professional athletics (source attribution).
Rubio described a night that proved to be one of the most difficult of his life. He explained that his thoughts entered a dark space, and he acknowledged losing control over the situation. He chose to step away from professional basketball, with the intention of sharing his experiences in the future to support others facing similar struggles. Out of respect for his family, he preferred to keep many details private for the time being. He also noted ongoing work on his mental health and expressed pride in the steady progress he has made as months pass, emphasizing that improvement continues day by day.
This decision has been met with public messages of empathy from fellow players and fans alike, underscoring a broader conversation about mental health within professional sports. Rubio’s willingness to discuss his journey is seen by many as a beacon for others who encounter comparable pressures, reminding communities that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The broader sports world has recognized the importance of creating supportive environments where athletes can address mental well-being without stigma (source attribution).