During an interview with the TODAY Show on Friday, former first-round NBA Draft pick Tony Snell opened up about his recent diagnosis with autism.
The longtime NBA journeyman got his diagnosis at the age of 31 last year, and this is the first time he’s revealed it to the world.
Snell’s examination and diagnosis were sparked by a similar diagnosis for his young son, Carter.
“I just couldn’t connect with people on the personal side of things,” Snell explained. “If he’s diagnosed, I think I am too. That gave me courage to go get checked up.”
For the first time, NBA star Tony Snell is opening up to @craigmelvin about being diagnosed with autism at age 31 and how that journey has been. pic.twitter.com/CddFxTkvbR
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 16, 2023
“I was not surprised,” he added. “I’ve always felt different. I was like, ‘Ah, this is why I’m the way I am.’
“It just made everything about my whole life make so much sense.”
After a successful collegiate career with New Mexico, Snell was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 20th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He’s since notched stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and most recently suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022.
Snell believes he wouldn’t have made it to the NBA had he been diagnosed with autism as a child, due to the societal “cap” that would’ve been placed on his abilities.
Snell hopes to be a role model for his son and other children with autism and recently partnered with the Special Olympics.
“I want to change some lives and inspire people,” he said. “I want to make sure my son knows i have his back… I can show him ‘I’m right here with you.'”
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