This is so heartbreaking… Socialites, earlier this month, the LA Dogers re-signed Andrew Toles to their team on a $0 contract so that he could continue receiving his much-needed health insurance and mental health services. If you’re a sports fan, you’d know that Toles hasn’t professionally played Major League Baseball since 2018 when the team said he was dealing with personal matters and was out indefinitely. The following year, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and found himself in the trouble with the law when he was later arrested for trespassing after cops found him sleeping behind a building at Key West International Airport.
The incident occurred in 2020, with a police report revealing how Toles only had a black bag with him while cops listed his address as “the streets of Key West, Florida.” At the time, even his family was unsure of his whereabouts and said that his mugshot was “the best thing ever” because it reassured them he was still alive. The 30-year-old’s mental health condition had clearly been in a dire state, and in a hopeful attempt to continue getting him the help that he needs, the LA Dodgers have re-signed him back to their team for another five years, during which time he’ll have access to all the medical and mental health resources that he needs.
Love this. Sad we’re in a country where he couldn’t get the help regardless, but I love this gesture from the team.
— B (@MsBelindaNP) April 17, 2023
I wish America was a country where a sick individual did not need to be signed to a major league baseball team in order to receive needed and vital health care!
— Paul Risley (@pauldrisley) April 17, 2023
In any normal country, one wouldn’t have to be enrolled by a sports team to receive medical treatment. People just get it.
— Pterodactylus (@Pterodactylus2) April 16, 2023
Meanwhile in the rest of the world you don’t have to rely on accidental kindness te get treatment
— Pingu’s Equity Niche Investment Swaps (@PinguPoors) April 17, 2023
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Yet, despite the good news, people on social media are deeply disturbed at the corrupt healthcare system in the U.S., puzzled how someone like Toles could not be given basic universal healthcare insurance without being signed back to his team. “These one-off charitable acts do nothing to solve the problem,” one person argued on Twitter. “In a normal country, one wouldn’t have to be enrolled by a sports team to receive medical treatment. People just get it,” another angered user wrote.
“A job shouldn’t leave you out to suffer but stabilize you to possibly work again,” another said, commending the Dodges for offering their help. “I wish America was a country where a sick individual did not need to be signed to a major league baseball team in order to receive needed and vital health care,” one frustrated person added.
Much respect to the @Dodgers for signing #AndrewToles just so he can get insurance to help with his condition. Love to see when teams do the right thing without gaining anything from it. #sports #mlb @mlb #baseball #mentalhealth
— garrett barker (@garrettbarker10) April 16, 2023
This is wonderful for him & a great job by the team. However it shows the problem with the healthcare system in the US.
— Carolyn Lewis-Spruil (@lew112_lewis) April 17, 2023
This is a great story. I’d bet our “homeless problem” would be significantly decreased if we had universal healthcare and mental healthcare.
— (#WearAMask) (#Vote) KitchenTableReport (@KitchenTableRpt) April 17, 2023
In 2019, Toles was placed on the restricted list by the Dodgers due to personal reasons. It wasn’t until months later that it was revealed he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Toles’ story shed light on the challenges that athletes face when it comes to mental health and how difficult it can be to seek help. Unfortunately, mental health is still stigmatized in sports, with many athletes feeling ashamed or weak for seeking help.
Toles’ story also highlights the importance of mental health support and resources for athletes. In a high-pressure and competitive environment like professional sports, it’s crucial that athletes have access to the help they need to manage their mental health. By sharing his story, Toles is helping to break down the barriers that prevent athletes from seeking help.
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Mental health has long been stigmatized in sports, with many athletes feeling pressure to ignore their mental health struggles and tough it out. The fear of being seen as weak or not mentally tough enough often prevents athletes from seeking help, even when they desperately need it.
The stigma surrounding mental health in sports is particularly troubling given the intense pressure and scrutiny that athletes face. The constant scrutiny from fans and media, as well as the high stakes of competition, can take a toll on an athlete’s mental health. By ignoring mental health issues or sweeping them under the rug, we are only perpetuating the problem and putting athletes at risk.