Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV explained how he used his hair as "a cloaking device." Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV reveals he was sexually abused as a child

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/12/20

San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV didn't always live an easy life, and his signature hairstyle reflected that. However, he cut more than several inches off his hair recently in order to free himself from painful memories of the past.

The 21-year-old Walker revealed Thursday on Instagram that he began growing out his hair in middle school after being sexually abused as a child.

The video accompanying the Instagram post shows Walker covering his face as a barber cuts his hair and Walker narrating his hair history with corresponding images.

View this post on Instagram

The real truth as to why i started doing this early 5th grade, it was a cloaking device for me. During the summer of my 5th grade year I was around more family. Some that names will be left alone I was around more. I was sexually harassed, raped, abused, I even got accustomed to it because being at that age you don’t know what is what. I was a gullible curious kid that didn’t know what the real world was. I had a mindset that my hair was something that I can control. My hair was what I can make and create and be mine. And it gave my confidence. As of recently I wasn’t at my best. Previous History popping up in my head and it sucked mentally “demons”..... because of this virus, I began to truly look at myself in the mirror and see who I truly was even behind closed doors. Long story short I have found peace and internal happiness through this journey god willingly. I forgave everyone even the people that don’t deserve it why? Because it’s dead weight. Time doesn’t wait on anyone so why should I waste my time on it ? Me cutting my hair was more than a cut. My hair was a mask of me hiding the insecurity’s that I felt the world wasn’t ready for. But now better then ever. Out with old. In with the new. I have shed my skin mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Life will always be hard. Gotta play with the cards your dealt with and try and make a winning hand. And if you lose. It’s never a lost. It’s a lesson . I’m gonna be off this for awhile still growing through this. Just know I love each and everyone one of y’all. Peace love and happiness

A post shared by Lonnie Walker IV (@buddah) on Jun 11, 2020 at 5:52pm PDT

Walker's latest haircut features a hook partially shaved into his hairline and a cross shaved into the back.

The Spurs' 2018 first-round selection averaged 5.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game before the season was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic, and he now says COVID-19 has taken a toll on him mentally and wanted to share his story.

The NBA recently put more focus on mental health initiatives in response to Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan sharing their struggles, so Walker will be in good hands moving forward.

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