?Mental Health is No Joke?: Stephen Curry?s Comments on Struggling Naomi Osaka Caused a Massive Buzz Among NBA World in 2021

2021 was the year that sports across the world addressed mental health issues. What started as a ripple effect from the Tennis World number 1, Naomi Osaka, backing out from the French Open, trickled into every other sport. The NBA was not immune to this wave as stars like Stephen Curry poured in support for the athlete and advocated the importance of mental health on a global stage. Osaka withdrew from the tournament and spoke about her struggles with mental health and battling depression.

Stephen Curry took to Twitter to share his support for the athlete. He spoke about having a lot of respect for Osaka’s decision and felt that it should not have reached this stage. Osaka spoke about wearing headphones at tournaments due to her struggles with social anxiety. A lot of her struggles came with being in the public eye and being a part of the media. Prior to the French opening, Osaka claimed that she felt vulnerable and anxious and that skipping the presser was an act of self-care.

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Stephen Curry agreed with Osaka’s sentiment and spoke about how an athlete should never be put into a situation where they have to make a decision like that. Soon after, NBA Twitter shared their support for Osaka on Curry’s tweet.

Stephen Curry Tweets in support of Naomi Osaka, and Twitter fans join in on the sentiment

Warriors icon Stephen Curry has been an avid endorser of mental health and its place in sports. Back in 2021, when Osaka withdrew from the French Open, Curry took to social media to share his support for the former World number 1. NBA fans on Twitter also chimed in and shared their two cents on the matter.

https://twitter.com/McSports14/status/1399487744167063563?s=20&t=aLb4TfG2ni6s8IQrMZ–sA

Stephen Curry was showered with support from all the fans on Twitter. He spoke about how the higher powers and authority must protect their own.

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Steph wrote,?”You shouldn’t ever have to make a decision like this-but; so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be don’t protect their own. major respect?@naomiosaka.”

The Twitter world was in a frenzy when Curry tweeted about Osaka, and athletes like Kevin Love also showed their support for their fellow athlete and the Olympian.

Steph speaks about Mental Health

Stephen Curry recently appeared on NBA’s healthcare partner Kaiser Permanente’s ad on Mental Health. It featured the Warrior speaking about the mind and body for about 30 seconds.?

Curry said, “Train the mind. The body will follow.”?

Steph talks about several moments from his life and career and narrates the ad. The concept was to talk about mental resistance through Steph’s personal life and his story,