Houston Rockets Reinstate Suspended Rookie Royce White

Oct 17, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Royce White (30) runs up court against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at the Toyota Center. The Rockets won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets forward Royce White was suspended for refusing to play in the D-League. White’s suspension began on January 6 and he Rockets say the move was made because of the player “refusing to provide services as required by his Uniform Player Contract.” The team released a statement today to announce the lifting of White’s suspension.

Houston Rockets and Royce White have today reached an agreement that addresses the major issues that they have been discussing, provides a new start, and gives Royce the best opportunity for long term success as a Houston Rocket.

This has been a learning process for both parties.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have approved the settlement.

Royce is no longer suspended and is re-instated effective immediately.

He will report to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on February 11, 2013.

White will now have the opportunity to set himself up for a successful career in the NBA if he can get past his personal problems and perform at a high level in the D-League. If White struggles, the Rockets will know that the trouble isn’t worth it.