Royce White skips game and practice (UPDATE: White issues statement)

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8631995/royce-white-houston-rockets-absent-practices

 

seriously, what "ignorance" was being thrown around? Nobody is faulting him for anxiety and most supported the Rockets efforts to accomodate him..

at some point, you can't allow a player to blackmail the team into minutes regardless of the condition--playing in the NBA IS NOT A RIGHT. A Coach not giving you minutes, IS HIS RIGHT. Sorry..but there IS DISCRIMINATION in sports, not everyone is created equal, and there are no laws that say just because you have a disability, a team has to go above and beyond what is required to make you feel happy and secure. If their accomodation isn't enough, then the NBA just isn't for you...no hard feelings. But you can't hold a team and the players hostage with your antics. Its not good for the organization, the coaches, and player chemistry. The NBA is a business and job first. Not an anxiety disorder platform first.

 

It would be hard for White to prove that he was being discriminated against considering the Rockets have hired him, made efforts to accomodate him, and that he's attended no practices and played no games. Not to mention that the NBAPA CBA specifically includes practice, D-league and NBA games under required activities.

So, unless White is going to argue that the NBA is a branch of government, or a government sub-contractor, his options really are limited outside of an outright breach of contract.

 

Let's be clear. I think mental illness is a very real condition and should be given the respect that cancer, etc. get. They have real consequences on a person and are not the result of some weakness or softness. Chemical imbalances, etc. are real.

With all of that said, none of my frustration with Royce here has to do with his mental illness. I don't blame him for wanting the Rockets to try their best to accommodate his travel issues. He needs to understand as well though that all professions have requirements and if you have an illness that prevents you from meeting them then you can't be employed there. If I suffer from a debilitating fear of heights I shouldn't be the guy who climbs those towers to change out the blinking lights. Likewise, he needs to understand that his job comes with travel.

It seems like the Rockets worked to find a way to make that as easy as possible despite there being no precedent for it.

He then has the nerve to be angry about a lack of playing time? He doesn't go to training camp and he doesn't go to practice yet he wants to throw a temper tantrum about playing time? And then if we criticize him for it it's because we aren't understanding of his mental condition?

His mental condition has nothing to do with him putting the Rockets on blast publicly, not showing up to practice and not showing up to games.

There are a lot of people with mental illness in this country, many that I know personally. Any of them who TRULY want real recognition for their conditions would tell you that hiding behind it when you want to tantrum is not effective and only works to reinforce negative stereotypes for the condition. What Royce White has done with his behavior is make it much harder for the next person with his condition to make a living in this field.

 

inb4 Royce demands part ownership of the franchise or else anxiety attack

 

Sure, a few people have vented here, but I think you miss the point. Just because people are objecting to White's apparent immature behavior doesn't mean that they are unsympathetic to those with mental illness. In fact, your point is the very card Royce appears to be playing, and if that is indeed the case, then his actions are the ones that are deplorable.

You can't behave irresponsibly and then disallow anyone else to take issue with your actions by hiding behind your condition. It's just wrong.

 

I've been supporting White for past few months,but he's making everything harder for himself and everyone else.If he only screw up at last incident and attends practice etc. things will improve for him...

 

I'm not too worried about the Rockets. They're playing it exactly right.

Les didn't become a billionaire by not hiring good lawyers and covering his butt.

 

I like this. Rep and others should do it too.

 

+1

Royce just has too much power, perceived more than anything, at too young of an age. Like i posted earlier, his brain hasn't even developed completely, so he's not able to always use good judgment...basically an older teen.

 

Already posted I think but whatev...

Royce White ‏@Highway_30
All the misdirection from @HoustonRockets about the "medical help" is laughable. I told them I would like to see MY doctor for 3yrs. #Logic

Royce White ‏@Highway_30
My #anxiety is fine, besides being disappointed in the communication, and worried about consistency and the effect that has on my health.

 

If this is true, why hasn't the org just cut him? The Rockets need to release this clown or try to get his contract severed.

 

I might be late, but is there a quote from Royce about his playing time? Its just sources from the Rockets at this point?

To me, all of this should be pointed to the Rockets. What rookie, with no mar1juana cases, wants to stir up a team like this? This is the NBA, where there is little to no consistency. I think the Rockets tried to help Royce, but had no earthly idea what they were getting into.

Royce has an EXTREME form of anxiety. A very legit condition. Morey knew this, and though it was manageable. Well, you can't blame the patient for that imo. He was transparent about it, he made people discuss it. Teams laid off of him for that reason. And The Rockets took a chance.

You either take his illness seriously, and understand the baggage it comes with it. Or you don't draft the kid, and think he'll take everything in stride.

 

Just saw the post above mine.

 

Funny he has such bad anxiety, but decided to come out and destroy his possible career, by twittering from what 610 has said, going bk n forth with some, haven't seen his twitter, just what 610 reported...and also ripping his team that drafted him, and obviously has tried to accommodate all his needs, but this anxiety let's him hide behind pen and paper, or should I say a computer...and rip the organization that decided to trust in him....
He just thinks he is above everyone else, I guess when he tried to compare himself to Lebron he was being serious, as much as he tried to be humble by comparing him in that video claiming still Lebron was light years ahead of him because "he" needed time, and practice in the league....Look Royce shut up and do what is asked.

Morris is a perfect example, didn't get to play really at all last year, his rookie year, yet he's showing up, and playing well this year. Last year Mook didn't sulk Morris was at the games, I think even got sent down to the D-League a bit unhappy I'm sure, but he did...He was the cheerleader last year, and now has hit some big shots so far in, looks kind of decent, promising...Royce take notes...because Royce may have more natural ability than others, but you still got to prove you are a "commodity" worth keepin brah!

 

Agreed, that is why I am of the position that the Rockets are playing this out by the book and I would not be surprised if they are already of the mindset of moving on from Royce White.

That was the point of my original statement. It seems as if the Rockets are positioning.

So my point is made, that the writing is on the wall for RW and he should take heed.

 

Well said.

 

White is getting bad advice or making made decisions. I have lost respect for him and right now don't care if he is cut, dumped or traded. We don't need this. I work around people involved in the mental health arena professionally. He is either not on his meds or does not have the skill set to function in the NBA as an adult.

He has tired me out.

 

Of course. I don't think anyone that's reasonably upset about this is blaming him for his anxiety.

However, when I read tweets like this: Royce White ‏@Highway_30
My #anxiety is fine, besides being disappointed in the communication, and worried about consistency and the effect that has on my health.

You can no longer speculate that his behavior and the way he has dealt with this is a result of his anxiety. Therefore, I don't think it's justified.

I just don't think you can go around acting like a petulant child. I'd say if the rumors about the playing time thing are true, that's the last straw for many fans, including me.