How Royce White's anxiety battles inspired his controversial bid for the US senate

Minneapolis native and former NBA player Royce White has declared his candidacy for the United States Senate in 2024 in Minnesota.

White began his career in politics after the George Floyd murder, leading several protests due to the murder happening in his hometown.

In February 2022, White announced he would run for the Republican nomination for the United States House of Representatives in Minnesota's fifth congressional district.

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His campaign was endorsed by former President Donald Trump's advisor Steve Bannon. However, White lost the Republican primary to Cicely Davis.

The New York Post referred to White as a 'far-right populist' who has embraced many conspiracy theories regarding the Coronavirus, questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 elections, and questioned if there are satanic influences in the Federal Government.

Picture – Instagram @last.renaissance.man

Why did the 32-year-old former NBA star give up on his life as a professional athlete to focus on politics? The main reason was his history of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Picture – Instagram @last.renaissance.man

After being selected as the 16th overall pick by the Houston Rockets in 2012, White's tenure with the organization was filled with disagreements over mental health and travel issues.

White's Generalized Anxiety Disorder was triggered by a fear of flying. He and the Rockets came to an agreement that included White traveling by personal bus to the games.

Picture – Instagram @last.renaissance.man

Due to mental health matters, White had not made any appearances for the Rockets and was sent to the Rockets' D League team, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, making only one appearance.

After the suspension of his pay and many disputes between him and the organization, White was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2013.

The newly turned politician stayed in Philadelphia for three months, being waived in October after stating he would travel with the team to Spain but failing to turn up.

His last NBA stint came with the Sacramento Kings on a ten-day contract in 2014, playing three games and failing to register one statistic.

According to sportskeeda.com, White spoke on his fear of flying after being signed by the Rockets. "It's a day-by-day struggle for me. I'm very happy that I made it here and that the Rockets gave me the chance that I have."

"But at the same time, just knowing what I know about anxiety and mental health, there is a side of my mind that can't look away from the fact that I do think about it every day. I wake up (and think), 'Am I cut out for this?'"

White had a successful spell playing in Canada for the London Lightning and played in Italy for Torino. Despite that, White finished his pro basketball career after six years in 2018.

The former first-round pick only managed three official NBA games in his career, but he now has the chance to move on from sports and focus on having a successful political career.

Picture – Instagram @last.renaissance.man