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When Andrelton Simmons had his introductory news conference on Sunday after signing a one-year, $10.5 million free agent contract with the Minnesota Twins, one of the subjects that came up was his decision to opt out of the last five games of the 2020 regular season.
At the time, he declined to discuss his reasons for opting out. But just two days later, the Gold Glove shortstop revealed that emotional and mental struggles brought on by the coronavirus pandemic were the driving force.Â
“Now seeing how more and more people are struggling with depression, anxiety and suicide I felt it might be time to share a little piece of my story,†he wrote in a series of direct messages with a reporter from the Southern California News Group.
“I was afraid of people judging and people twisting my story.â€
Though MLB players had the option to opt out of the 2020 season at any time, Simmons – a nine-year veteran who spent the last five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels – chose to play through his bouts with depression. Those feelings continued as players faced strict limitations on their contact with others and were subject to constant COVID-19 testing during the season.Â
As even more restrictions were added down the stretch for teams in playoff contention, thoughts of suicide that had haunted him since he was young began to return.
“It was something I vowed a long time ago I would never consider again. I was fortunate to talk to a therapist, which helped me let go of those thoughts,†Simmons, 31, wrote. “At the end when a lot of people were still going through what most would think of as tough times, the idea of finishing the season in a bubble was too much for me to handle.â€
Simmons isn’t alone among professional athletes who have struggled with mental health issues and have chosen to go public. Several NBA players expressed similar feelings after competing last season in a self-contained “bubble” in Orlando. Last year, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott revealed his battles with depression in the wake of his brother’s death. Swimmer Michael Phelps and NBA players Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan have also spoken out.
Simmons wrote that he chose to go public with his own struggles in the hope that he might be able to help others who may be feeling emotionally or mentally vulnerable.Â
“Most people carry scars that others can’t see or understand.”
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online. Â
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