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Royce White out indefinitely due to personal issue related to disorder


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White confirms in this report that the personal issue is related to his disorder: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/19707291/rookie-royce-white-not-with-rockets-for-opening-of-training-camp#ixzz28AXH0Y2k

 

While most of the Rockets began training camp in McAllen on Tuesday, an unmistakable shadow was cast by a player that was not there.

 

Rookie forward Royce White did not attend the Rockets media day on Monday and did not travel with the team to McAllen for the start of two-a-day practices because of what the team termed “a personnel matter.”

 

The Rockets would not elaborate. Asked when he expected White to join the team, Rockets coach Kevin McHale said, “I have no idea.”

An All-American at Iowa State last season, White’s anxiety issues helped keep him from being selected in the draft before the Rockets picked him up with the 16th pick. White, who had been in workouts with teammates last month and even joked about his fear of flying at a team function for season ticket holders last week, told FOX 26 that he and his doctors were formulating a plan to deal with his anxiety issues. But White did not say why such a plan was still undetermined or when he would be with the team.

 

The Rockets were clearly displeased to have one of their rookies choose not to attend training camp.

 

Asked if White’s absence should be considered excused, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey paused for 10 seconds and said “I think, no comment.”

 

Morey also would not comment when asked when White would be with the team. Asked how he felt about not having White in camp, Morey again considered his answer carefully before saying only “Obviously, it’s always better to be here than not.”

McHale also would not say much about White’s absence before changing the subject to talk about the players at the day’s first practice. He left little doubt, however, that he wanted to see White with them.

 

“He needs to be here,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. “There’s no question.”

 

White was not the only player that was unavailable. Carlos Delfino’s arrival was delayed by visa issues. He is expected in McAllen on Wednesday in time to practice on Thursday. Forward Jon Brockman is out with a severe eye injury and is not expected to practice at all this week.

 

The team, however, seemed stunned to be without White. Last season, both Rockets rookies were forced to sit out much of training camp while the Rockets completed salary cap maneuvers. Chandler Parsons was able to earn a place in the Rockets rotation, but Marcus Morris struggled to make up for lost time.

 

“It was definitely tough just sitting out watching,” Morris said. “It’s always hard because you want to play but you’re not.”

 

Unlike White, Morris and Parsons attended those practices and believe they did benefit from watching the drills. Parsons said White can catch up, even if it is unclear how far behind he will be.

 

“It’s frustrating because you see and read about and hear your teammates practicing all together and you feel like the odd man out,” Parsons said. “I think it’s our job to make him feel as comfortable as possible while he’s not here to catch him up. He’s going to watch so much film, by the time he gets here, he’ll know exactly what the coaching staff wants.

 

“I sent him a text and gave him a call just to say I’m here for him. If he ever needs anything, I’m here. “Just take your time.” We want him here. We need him here. We look forward to him being on the court.”

 

For now, however, they don’t know when that time will be.

 

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/10/rockets-rookie-royce-white-not-in-camp-did-not-travel-with-team/

 

Sucks losing one of our rookies to an indefinite amount of time already but wish him and his family well. Not like we're going anywhere anyways.

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Related story -- Rockets' White a no-show for camp, cites anxiety issues

 

McALLEN, TX. (AP) -- Houston Rockets first-round draft pick Royce White is a no-show at training camp and said he and the team are working on a plan to address his fear of flying.

 

The 6-foot-8 White was the 16th overall pick after one season at Iowa State. White suffers from anxiety and fear of flying. He says on Twitter that he's working with the team on an "innovative plan" to balance treatment with the NBA schedule.

 

"Anxiety isn't keeping me from camp," White wrote, "taking a Proactive approach to my mental illness instead of reactive is.(hash)StayingAheadOfMyDisorder."

 

White said he has an agreement with the team to take a bus to select games. KRIV-TV reported that the agreement is pending league approval. The Rockets would not comment beyond a statement that said they "are committed to Royce's long term success and we will continue to support him now and going forward." White said he offered to buy the bus himself.

 

"I will not travel every game via bus," he wrote. "It was decided that the less flying the less stress."

 

The Rockets opened training camp this week in McAllen, near the Texas-Mexico border, the home of their developmental league affiliate.

 

White averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and five assists at Iowa State last season. He initially enrolled at Minnesota, then left the program last year and eventually transferred after pleading guilty to theft and disorderly conduct in an incident at the Mall of America. He's been open about his anxiety throughout his career and bluntly broke it down for reporters at his introductory press conference in Houston in June.

 

"Here's how it goes," White explained. "I'm scared (going) to the airport, I'm scared going up, I'm uncomfortable in the air and I feel like a million bucks when we hit the runway."

http://www.nba.com/2012/news/10/04/rockets-white-training-camp.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2

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  • 1 month later...

Royce isn't feeling the way the Rockets have handled this, if true, it's a sad situation..

 

@daldridgetnt

In statement, @Highway_30 says Rockets have been "inconsistent" w/agreement "to proactively create a healthy and successful relationship."

 

@daldridgetnt

White says Rockets "are aware of my position and the reason for my absence, any other response is inaccurate."

 

@daldridgetnt

White says lack of support will make him unhealthy, "and that is not a consequence that I am willing to accept to play any sport."

 

Sad situation, I hope it works out for him

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Regardless of whats going on there was no need whatsoever to throw the entire organization under the bus. This could have been handled more privately and professionally, no reason to be going on a Twitter rant.

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