Royce White on playing or practicing: “I would be risking my life.”

Royce White tells Bernard Goldberg from HBO what it will take to end his dispute with the Rockets and get back on the court. He said he is aware his demands could end his NBA career but said, “I’m not going to accept it without a fight.” White’s demands include binding medical protocols in his contract, which, according to a document displayed by HBO, would include an acknowledgment that a mental condition affecting play is no different than a physical condition. Such a written, signed agreement would violate the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement with the players’ association. According to Ultimate Rockets neither HBO nor White addressed the fact that injured players are required to be on hand at the team’s discretion for therapy or practice and can be fined if they do not comply. If he played or practiced without the protocols, which he has said he will not do, White said, “I would be risking my life.” Below is a letter from Daryl Morey to Royce White: Dear Royce, This seems t...