Heat's Beasley admitted into rehab center
Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley(notes) has checked into an unidentified Houston rehabilitation hospital, multiple sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Sources said the Heat encouraged Beasley to check into the facility to address possible substance and psychological issues. He is expected to spend time with former NBA player and coach John Lucas(notes), who is renowned for his success in working with troubled players. As part of the NBA’s treatment program, Beasley is expected to stay in the facility for a minimum of 30 days with little outside contact, one source close to him said.
When reached Monday morning, Miami Heat spokesman Tim Donovan declined comment. An NBA spokesman also declined comment.
Beasley’s admission to the center comes as a handful of disturbing Twitter posts were recently attributed to him.
“Y do I feel like the whole world is against me…I can't win for losin,” Beasley wrote.
“Feelin like it's not worth livin!!!!!!! I'm done.”
Beasley’s frustration had been born out of a posed Internet photo on his personal Twitter page. In the photo, Beasley showed off a SuperCoolBeas tattoo on his back while two plastic baggies could be seen on the floor in the background. Some people have speculated on the bags’ contents, even though the clarity of the photo makes it difficult to determine. After the photo became a fast-moving Internet story, Beasley posted the messages on his Twitter account before the page was shut down on Saturday night.
Even before the Heat made him the No. 2 pick after Derrick Rose(notes) in the 2008 draft, Beasley has been a target of criticism inside and outside the organization for his immaturity. From team president Pat Riley to superstar Dwyane Wade(notes), the Heat have been frustrated with Beasley’s clownish attitude and personal decisions.
The NBA fined Beasley $50,000 for being in a room where marijuana was found at the NBA’s rookie symposium last summer. Beasley had slipped out the door when security officials arrived on the scene, leaving Mario Chalmers(notes) and Darrell Arthur(notes) to face punishment alone. Riley later found out Beasley had been in the room and forced him to confess to league officials. So far this summer, Miami had been unwilling to include Beasley in trade talks with the Utah Jazz for Carlos Boozer(notes).
Beasley had a solid rookie season for Miami, averaging 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds.
