Adongo family pleads for calm after alarming video

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The family of former Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Kings player Daniel Adongo say they are taking care of him after viral videos showed him in a disturbing state.

Adongo looked set to take the world by storm several years ago as he became the first Kenyan to play in the USA’s NFL after signing a lucrative deal for the Indianapolis Colts at the age of 23 in 2013, despite having never played American football before.

Prior to this, the forward was touted to become Kenya’s first major rugby superstar, first catching the eye while representing his country in the 2015 World Cup qualifiers before moving to South Africa and joining the Sharks Academy.

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Following a short stint with the Vodacom Bulls, Adongo would move to the Southern Kings and became the first Kenyan to play Vodacom Super Rugby in 2013. It was during his stint with the Kings that Adongo was spotted by a scout and recommended to the Colts.

However, seven years later it is clear that Adongo is not in a good space. A video showing Adongo wearing noserings, smoking and listening to music was posted on social media by Kenyan blogger Robert Alai.

It has been reported that after several appearances for the Colts, Adongo’s contract with the NFL franchise was suspended in December 2015 after police officers received at least two reports of possible domestic violence between him and an unidentified female.

Speaking to Saturday Nation Sport, Adongo’s father, Joseph, reassured that his family are doing all they can for him and pleaded with fans to remember Daniel’s success to prevent him from going into depression.

‘Whether Dan is in trouble is neither here nor there, but I want to tell his fans and Kenyans that his family is doing everything to put things under control,’ Joseph Adongo said.

‘Most slumps into depression hence need help. Dan’s situation needs sobriety and calmness. The media can build or destroy someone and that is why I am pleading with the media so that Dan doesn’t sink deep into depression.

‘Let us wish him success and the best in days to come as we handle the situation. We are in touch daily and I can assure you all is well.’

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Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images

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SA Rugby magazine