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.
ESPN reported Waiters had a panic attack on the team charter flight Thursday night after taking an edible infused with THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, which is prohibited in the NBA.
The Heat did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.
According to ESPN, which cited sources, 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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Waiters, 27, missed part of the preseason for personal reasons and was suspended for the Heat’s season opener for „conduct detrimental to the team.” He 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. According to ESPN, he could lose a $1.2 million bonus if he misses three more games this season.