Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
The Houston Rockets selected power forward Royce White for their first pick in last June's NBA draft. White has refused to play a minute with the Rockets as he's locked in a bitter dispute with the team over how to handle treatment for his anxiety disorder.
White has OCD and a fear of flying, which for a professional athlete could be a tough issue to find a solution for. The Rockets have suspended White for " refusing to provide services as required by his contract."
White talks about his disorders in this video by Grantland:
Where does this leave White in his basketball career and how much responsibility does his employer, the Rockets, have in helping him work through his mental health issues?
To help us sort this out, we talk to Henry Abbott, who covers basketball for ESPN, and sports psychiatrist Jack Stark.
Royce White joined Slate's Hang Up and Listen podcast to talk about his struggle with anxiety: