Miami Heat has handed down a 10-game suspension on guard Dion Waiters for “citing conduct detrimental to the team”.
The ban is the 27-year-old shooting guard’s second club-imposed suspension for the season, following a series of incidents and spats with coach Erik Spoelstra in pre-season.
The latest suspension, which will cost Waiters almost US$850,000, comes following an incident on the team flight on Thursday from Phoenix to Los Angeles.
According to the Associated Press, Waiters ingested one cannabis-infused edible which caused a serious reaction which required medical attention.
In a club statement, the Heat wrote: “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.
“There have been a number of instances this season in which Dion has engaged in conduct detrimental to the team. Accordingly, he will be suspended without pay for 10 games, including the Lakers game last Friday, and will be eligible to return after the Golden State Warriors game on Nov. 29.
“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.”
Waiters is into his fourth season at Miami where he has battled injuries, restricting his ability to get on court.
The Heat are currently 6-3 in the Eastern Conference, although they’ve lost two of their past three matches.
