The Miami Heat have suspended guard Dion Waiters for 10 games, without pay, for conduct detrimental to the team following an incident that occurred on the team charter back on Thursday.
The suspension marks the second of the season for Waiters.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Adrian Wojnarowski, Waiters experienced a “panic attack” on the team’s flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles after consuming a THC-infused edible.
The Heat officially announced the suspension on Sunday.
“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,” the team stated.
“There have been a number of instances this season in which Dion has engaged in conduct detrimental to the team. … 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 had missed the Heat’s game in Phoenix against the Suns due to a stomach ache, and was reportedly looking for some relief when he consumed the edible, one he was unfamiliar with.
NBA rules prohibit use of THC.
Waiters will lose out on a $1.2 million contract bonus because of the missed games as he needed to play in 70 of the Heat’s 73 remaining games to claim the bonus.