Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters has yet to play in a game this season for a variety of reasons, but his latest absence might be the strangest reason yet.
Waiters had an adverse reaction to an edible infused with THC, a person familiar with details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
THC the active ingredient in marijuana, which is on the NBA’s banned substance list.
ESPN reported Sanders had a panic attack on the team charter flight Thursday night after ingesting the edible .
The Heat did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.
Waiters was suffering from a stomach ache and seeking relief when he ingested the unfamiliar substance after the team’s victory over the Phoenix Suns. He received medical treatment after the plane landed in Los Angeles and did not attend Friday’s game against the Lakers due to illness.
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The Heat and Waiters, 27, have been at odds since the start of training camp.
Waiters missed part of the preseason for personal reasons and was suspended for the Heat’s season opener for „conduct detrimental to the team.”
Waiters took a veiled shot at Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and posted „LOL” when a Heat fan suggested Miami rookie guard Tyler Herro works harder and is a better player.
„There were a number of unacceptable incidents this week, culminating with his unprofessional conduct on the bench last night,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. „As a consequence, I feel we had to suspend him.”
Waiters has only been active for two of the Heat’s nine games this season but has yet to dress for any game.
Waiters is in the third year of a four-year, $52 million deal with the Heat. He is owed $12.1 million this season and $12.6 million next season, which is the final year of the deal. Both sides would like to find a fresh start for the shooting guard with another team. Waiters could lose a $1.1 million bonus if he misses three more games this season.