Royce White Doesn’t Blame The Houston Rockets

Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Royce White has came out and stated that he would like to play for the Houston Rockets, the team who drafted him with the 16^th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. But until White, the Rockets and the NBA workout some kind of deal to treat mental health properly he will continue to sit out. In fact, White stated that his chances of never playing in the NBA are “very high.”

Hearing Royce say that he doesn’t blame the Rockets for the issues he faces may seem a false since he basically called out the team via twitter numerous times. But that’s exactly what he said.

“The reality is that it is not Houston’s fault. As much as we always want to try and blame one side or the other, they’ve been thrown into a position now where they’re forced to make things up as they go because a protocol has not been put in place for mental health up until this point.”

Finally it sound like White is no longer blaming the only team that was brave enough to draft him and give a legitimate shot. White also stated that he is not seeking a trade, nor does he think it’s a good idea for him to be traded.

“I don’t really think going to another team is something that would be better. And it’s not something that I want to do. I want to play for Houston. I love the city of Houston. Since I’ve been here, the fans have been nothing but supportive — that I’ve met in person. Twitter has been different. The fans that I’ve met in person have been supportive. The community here is great. I have a lot of friends that work in the organization, in the building, that aren’t even related to practice or the game, so to speak. So I have no intention or desire to play for another team.”

White also came out and said he would be fighting for mental health protocol no matter what team he was on.

“There’s no mental health protocol here, for not only the Rockets but the entire league, really. I expressed that that’s really unsafe if you think about it. So, basically, I’m fighting to have that rectified. I just don’t think it is OK or responsible or even logical to have GMs or any front office personnel have executive authority in medical situations.”

In a way I actually agree with white. Teams should not have the right to discuss mental health with any athlete unless they have a legitimate mental health system in place. This would be perfect for all major sports. Maybe what White is doing actually is a great thing. There have been a few athletes over the years that could benefit from a mental health program if it was put in place.

After everything that has happened I never thought I would agree with White on any issue. But this time he is right. But at the same time I think he should at least attempt to rejoin the Rockets. Hopefully this is solved soon and he gets the help he needs and the Rockets get their draft pick.