Only Dion Waiters can make a bad start to the NBA season even worse.
The Miami Heat guard received his second suspension for "conduct detrimental to the team" this 2019-20 basketball calendar, after reportedly "overdosing on gummies" or THC-infused edibles, then suffering a panic attack during their flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles on Thursday.
The Heat didn't give any more details on the matter, but announced Dion's 10-game ban without pay, which began on Friday against the Lakers:
"We are very disappointed in Dion's actions this season that include the very scary situation on Thursday night, and grateful that the outcome wasn't worse," Miami said in a statement. "There have been a number of instances this season in which Dion has engaged in conduct detrimental to the team. We are proud of how our players have started the season. We expect all of our players, including Dion, to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards, and to show professionalism and respect for their teammates, the team, the fans and the NBA community."
Shams Charania of The Athletic also reported on Monday that Waiters won't snitch on the teammate who gave him the gummy, despite the incident likely costing him at least $834,483 in salary.
The development comes as a shock, considering that the recent spate of anti-drug policy violations in the league should have kept their players on their toes. Deandre Ayton of Phoenix and Atlanta's John Collins are both currently serving a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a diuretic and Growth Hormone-releasing Peptide 2, respectively. Performance-enhancing drugs has also prevented Wilson Chandler from suiting up for Brooklyn since the opener.
Except Dion isn't your typical NBA baller.
After re-signing with the Heat in 2017 on a four-year, $52 million contract, the former No. 4 pick has seen his numbers and role consistently dip for a team that is known for its culture of hard work and finding diamonds in the rough. Dion initially got suspended for arguing with coach Erik Spoelstra and other untoward incidents during the preseason. He has yet to play for Miami this season.
It's a long way back to the active roster for the oft-injured 27-year-old wing player, especially with the arrival of the quintessential Heat superstar in Jimmy Butler, the emergence of Miami's rookie steals Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro, and the overall team success (6-3 win-loss) as the fourth seed in the East.
That NBA Twitter collectively shaking their heads at the absurdity of what just happened certainly won't help his cause.
Memes aside, we hope the former All-Rookie First Team member gets better soon and back on track — not just with Dion's old streaky shooting ways, but his basketball career in general.
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