White refuses assignment to D-League

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

The path to an NBA career is quickly shrinking for former Gopher and Hopkins High School stand-out Royce White.

White was assigned to the D-League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Saturday but on Sunday, the 16th overall pick in the 2012 draft refused the assignment through a 500-word statement.

“I have chosen to not play, because the doctors and I believe it to be unsafe for unqualified Rockets front office personnel to make medical decisions, as they are not mental health professionals,” said White.

“I do wish to play, but I only intend to do so with the collaboration and recommendation of trained professionals. The purple of a doctor’s confirmation is to ensure that health decisions are made in the sole interest of health and not conflicted with business. My only hope is that decision makes involved realize that doctors are the only logical source to decide action.”