The Houston Rockets and their 2012 first-round pick Royce White are having a bumpy start to a very new beginning.
Houston drafted White out of Iowa State with the 16th pick in the draft knowing the versatile swingman had severe anxiety issues that included a fear of flying. The Rockets wanted to stay true to their commitment to the young star and the two sides came to an agreement that White could travel to away games on a bus while he continued to adjust to his anxiety.
White continues to have issues getting on a plane, and now the 6-foot-8 rookie is having trouble getting on a basketball court.
Earlier in the week, Houston announced that White would be among three players that were being sent down to the team’s D-League affiliate. After the news was reported, White did not show up to practice on Tuesday and has been relatively nonexistent since the regular season has tipped off.
The former Cyclone continued to express his dismay with the Rockets organization and The Associated Press released a statement made by White’s publicist.
“In hindsight, perhaps it was not a good idea to be open and honest about my anxiety disorder — due to the current situations at hand that involve the nature of actions from the Houston Rockets. As a rookie, I want to settle into a team and make progress; but since preseason, the Rockets have been inconsistent with their agreement to proactively create a healthy and successful relationship.”
As if White didn’t portray his discontent well enough, he took to Twitter to vent a little bit. Check out some of his tweets below.
I’d waste my “Talent”, to stand up for myself and what’s right, regarding my health 10x’s out 10. #Logical Player “Commodity” league.
— Royce White (@Highway_30) November 14, 2012
“your a COMMODITY” and “we’ll support your health needs even if its inconvenient…” just don’t go. My health can’t afford such an ideal.
— Royce White (@Highway_30) November 14, 2012
Again My “Anxiety” is not well but not BAD, my main WORRY is being treated as a digit instead of a HUMAN, in the case of my health.
— Royce White (@Highway_30) November 14, 2012
Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Houston Rockets
