Keyon Dooling is a former professional basketball player who played for several teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during his career. He was born on May 8, 1980, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and attended Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale before going on to play college basketball at the University of Missouri.
Dooling was selected by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2000 NBA draft, and he played for the team for three seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2003. He played for the Clippers for two seasons before being traded to the Miami Heat in 2005.
After one season with the Heat, Dooling was traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he played for three seasons. He then played for the Milwaukee Bucks for two seasons before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2011.
Dooling played for the Celtics for one season before retiring from the NBA in 2012. However, he came out of retirement the following year to play for the Memphis Grizzlies, but he only played in six games before retiring again.
Throughout his career, Dooling was known for his defensive skills and his ability to play multiple positions. He was also known for his leadership and his work off the court, particularly in the area of mental health.
In 2012, Dooling revealed that he had been sexually abused as a child, and he became an advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. He also became a mental health advocate, speaking openly about his struggles with depression and anxiety and encouraging others to seek help.
After retiring from basketball, Dooling became a motivational speaker and a mental health advocate. He also founded the Respect Foundation, which provides resources and support for survivors of sexual abuse.
Overall, Keyon Dooling had a successful career in the NBA, but his impact off the court may be even more significant. He used his platform as a professional athlete to raise awareness about important issues and to help others who may be struggling.
🏀