Some people seriously are ridiculous. Do you think Morey didn't anticipate this? Do you think he was unaware of this possibility? Surely not. It's not an ideal situation, and everybody knew he was a risky player to draft, but he's a rookie who hasn't even stepped into a preseason game. Give the guy a freaking chance... It was obviously going to be an obstacle for him to overcome, a big one at that, but for those calling Royce a bust ALREADY, you seriously need a reality check.
Don't fully blame Morey.. Don't yall remember the video with behind the scenes footage of Royce White on draft night? The only guy who wanted Royce White was McHale!
I remember that video. It also shows White could slide all the way to late 20's or second round if Mchale didn't pick him at #16. Although I'm big supporter to trade down and draft him in that range.
I can't understand why royce white is not in the preseason camp (no plane is request) Start training and then we see the plane/bus situation.
I believe Royce commented that its not the actual flight that makes him panic, its the preparation, and airport situation. Ive never been clinically diagnosed, but I have major anxiety almost to the point where I get sick sometimes before flying. Mostly when I have to fly with other people because of the anxiety of not making it on time, security, etc. Im much better flying by myself because I can control the situation much better, and not have to deal with other people making me late. And Im someone that flys 20 or 30 times a year for work. I can definitely see how someone who is clinically diagnosed would have an issue dealing with 15 other immature jocks who are late doing anything going through that process every other day when you travel together.
Requesting for bus ride is ok. Holding out from attending training camp to negotiate bus rides is not ok. Sympathy for his symptom is required; but not for the way he handled the situation. It's like signing a contract for a new job, and on the day of the orientation, asking to be video-conferenced into it instead of participating in person, while negotiating for an addition to the contract. I think Royce should get his butt to training camp, and work out whatever arrangements the team and him can settle on, while there, working. I had a lot of sympathy when I thought it was an anxiety attack due to an abrupt change in life circumstances. But anxiety disorders should be overcome (slowly, if possible), not used in negotiation like this. Royce wants to be an example for people with similar symptoms. This is not a good example. But I love his talents and hope for the best for him and the Rockets.
Some points I agree with and some points I disagree with.... Agreed: Royce should definitely be with the team. I can't fathom how this wasn't sorted out and understood MUCH before training camp starts. These discussions he's having should have been handled within weeks after the draft, but right before training camp. And also....yes, it's very evident that this is a potentially career altering factor for Royce, so basically, he's gotta decide whether the benefits of an NBA career are worth dealing with his problems and facing his fears. Disagreed: "Prima Donna"? C'mon....he's not "playing the mental health card", he has a severe disorder. It's not his fault, and this NBA environment is 100% new to him. He's most certainly not making a scene just to make a scene....he's dealing with a disorder and being rather honest about it, maybe honest to a fault, but that's the case at hand. And you bring up your daughter and yourself, both of whom let me say I have PROFOUND respect for by the way y'all face y'alls fears in order to do what needs to be done, but I think it's important to remember than not everybody's the same. His disorder apparently is SEVERE, and I can't speak for yourselves, but different people come with different situations. I think it's just important to keep rooting for Royce and hope he succeeds. This is a highly unique scenario and he's gotta have support.
Someone needs to sit Royce down and explain to him how much more likely he is to come into harm by traveling via bus. If that is indeed where his panic/anxiety is rooted. Either way, it's a legitimate medical condition that I don't think should stand between the Rockets and Royce. As long as the rest of the team knows he isn't getting preferential treatment, it should be ok. We're in this for the long haul. I think Morey knows that, and hopefully Royce does too. The only thing that bothers me is that this was not settled BEFORE training camp. Who is to blame for that, I'm not sure.
ROYCE WHITE DOESN'T FEAR FLYING! Royce White has an anxiety disorder that he deals with 24/7. The flying just magnifies it. He will have it in games, in the car, and everywhere else.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23RedNation">#RedNation</a> I will not travel every game via bus, but it was decided that the less flying the less stress. I offered to provide the bus.</p>— Royce White (@Highway_30) <a href="https://twitter.com/Highway_30/status/253868408343519234" data-datetime="2012-10-04T14:45:19+00:00">October 4, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
True but Royce also KNEW his condition as has been dealing with it (and traveling for basketball) for years. Why is that he waits to "holdout" for better conditions when training camp opens? Why didn't he address this after the draft? How about any time between the summer league and now? He had plenty of time to "fight for the cause" and to ask for "healthier" conditions. He, himself, talks about working out a situation that is most beneficial for himself and the Rockets in the short and long-term. How is "holding out" at the start of training camp beneficial for anyone? The Rockets organization and coaching staff do not get to see him on the court, see how he can handle the NBA play and figure how he fits into the roster and rotation; and he is losing valuable time getting in basketball shape, gaining cohesiveness with his teammates (ESPECIALLY with his unique style of play and talents), time to learn the plays/philosophies/rotations/etc on both sides of the ball, and gain valuable learning and tutelage from the coaching staff. Every interview I saw of him leading up to and after the draft he says it's a condition but it he's handling it and it won't be a big issue... that teams shouldn't worry about it. But now, as his teammates start training camp, he talks about how much of a burden it is to deal with in a NBA lifestyle and traveling schedule and is "holding out" to work on a "viable" situation for him to be a part of the team. I'm sorry, I put this on HIM.
Dude....everybody has a fear of something or has had a fear of something in life. The best treatment is not meds...that effs you up in the long term. The best treatment is to face it! You are going to pray for a plane when you start playing for the RGV Vipers...
That came out wrong. What I mean is this is not just about flying. It's about minimizing an episode that could result from the stresses of anything. Flying just happens to be a major trigger.
From the lottery (almost) to the dog house before pre-seaon. Nice move champ. I got crazy once. My parents spanked it right out of me. Get your therapy, get your meds, get with the team, or get lost. Sorry!
He needs some form of cognitive therapy for his flying phobia, I feel for the poor guy. He should have been with a psychologist all summer but its something that he can overcome with some help. He can even pop a Xanax before each flight that can help dissipate a lot of the stress. I think the bus thing makes his problem worst, sometimes you just need to find a way to embrace the fear (tree hug it) and accept that the fear sucks ect. because if he doesn't overcome this problem then its going to be very debilitating to his NBA career. I've read in the past that some teams go over strategy and tape during flights.
Agree. There is such a thing as work-to-rule. When someone doesn't show up for work because their demands are not being met, it does not usually end well. Should have showed up to camp and worked on the details behind the scene and out of the spotlight of the media. The fact that the rockets have not commented on the situation is also telling.
