Blake Griffin Recalls Disappointing Encounter with Clippers Psychologist

Blake Griffin recalled a disappointing encounter with a Los Angeles Clippers psychologist in 2014. The psychologist accidentally left a voicemail, saying 'Hey, coach, just left Blake's house, great talk, and we discussed some interesting things.'

The Clippers hired a sports psychologist as part of their team strategy, but Blake's experience was not positive. He felt that the psychologist was more focused on reporting back to the coach than providing actual support.

This experience highlights the importance of athletes having control over their mental health support. Many athletes, including Blake Griffin, now hire their own private mental health clinicians to ensure confidentiality and trust.

As the NBA continues to prioritize mental health support, teams must ensure that their approaches are athlete-centered and respectful of boundaries. Blake Griffin's experience serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration and implementation of mental health support systems.

On July 1, 2026, Blake Griffin shared his story, revealing a major flaw in the team's approach to mental health support. The incident occurred when the Clippers first started exploring the idea of having a psychologist on staff.

The team's decision to hire a sports psychologist was likely a response to the severe off-court trauma they experienced in 2014 due to Donald Sterling's racial remarks. However, the implementation was flawed, and Blake Griffin's experience was not an isolated incident.

Athletes carry heavy baggage due to constant pressure, fame, and temptations, making it essential to have trustworthy and confidential mental health support. Blake Griffin's story highlights the need for teams to prioritize athlete-centered approaches to mental health support.

The NBA officially mandated that all 30 teams hire at least one licensed mental health professional in 2019. However, the league must continue to work towards creating a culture of trust and confidentiality, allowing athletes to feel comfortable seeking support without fear of judgment or repercussions.

Blake Griffin's experience with the Clippers psychologist serves as a reminder of the importance of careful consideration and implementation of mental health support systems. As the NBA continues to prioritize mental health support, teams must ensure that their approaches are athlete-centered and respectful of boundaries.