The story of former NBA player Tony Snell, once a teammate of Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Milwaukee Bucks, evokes both sympathy and anger. Snell, after nine seasons in the NBA at the age of 32, found himself in search of another contract to complete the “magical” milestone of ten seasons in the NBA. Teams like the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and New Orleans Pelicans had given him opportunities in the past, though Snell’s performances on the court were not particularly remarkable.
This time, however, Snell’s purpose was crucial. Even a ten-day contract, with the possibility of renewal until the end of the regular season, would have been a lifeline for Snell and his family. This was because Snell himself was diagnosed last June to be on the autism spectrum. But the blows of fate did not stop there. Both of Snell’s sons, Carter and Kenzo, were also diagnosed on the spectrum, leading Snell to discover similarities between his eldest son and himself.
“It changed my life, everything about my life, it made me understand it better. It was like gaining clarity, like putting on 3D glasses”, Snell said upon realizing he was on the autism spectrum. This diagnosis explained his difficulty in socializing. “When I was a child, I felt different. But now I can show my child that I am here, with you, and we will go through it together. We will grow together and do many things together”, he also stated.
Snell’s life remained normal, but it was necessary for him to play for a tenth season in the NBA. This was because the collective bargaining agreement provides for players with ten years of service in the NBA to receive full Health benefits for themselves and their families upon retirement. In Snell’s case, this meant full Health benefits for his wife, Carter, and Kenzo.
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One would expect that the publicity surrounding Snell’s struggle would yield results. His effort to help his children in this way did not go unnoticed and was discussed by prominent figures in the NBA. Charles Barkley, former Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets legend turned ESPN analyst, recently said, “I hope some team signs Tony, so his two kids can receive the proper medical care. I don’t know enough about autism, but I know how expensive it can be to have two young children in this condition, so I hope someone gives him a contract.”
Tony Snell himself stated: “The NBA retirement benefits program is something I really need. Not only for myself, but for my wife and children. Of course, I want to return and play in the NBA, but I have a bigger purpose now. It’s not about me anymore. It’s about my boys.”
Snell was simply seeking a ten-day contract, until February 2nd, which would be renewed until the end of the season if he found a team by February 2nd. However, much to his surprise and disappointment, no team offered him even the ten-day contract, citing that they could not have him on their roster.
In this way, the NBA, a league that claims to have become “the players’ league,” turned its back on him and left him to his fate. To most, it seems unthinkable that even one of the worst teams in the NBA did not consider giving Snell a chance.
