Rockets reach impasse with suspended Royce White

The Houston Rockets are prepared to chalk up forward Royce White's rookie 2012-13 campaign as a lost season and begin anew with White in the offseason as the two sides try to reconcile their dispute over White's mental health concerns.

The Rockets suspended White on Sunday for refusing to provide services as required by his contract.

Although the team said it would work with White to come to a resolution, that might be hard to achieve anytime soon. White, who battles anxiety disorders, is entrenched in his position, saying he wants a medical protocol established that will give doctors executive authority regarding his mental health.

According to a person familiar with the situation, White wants the NBA, the National Basketball Players Association, the Rockets and himself to sign a document detailing his wishes for the mental health protocol, and White has told the Rockets he won't show up for work until all parties sign the document.

The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the document was supposed to remain confidential. The person added that such agreements are banned under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

According to the uniform player contract detailed in the CBA, "no amendments to the form of the Uniform Player Contract provided for by Section 1 of this Article shall be permitted," and if a team or player agree on such an amendment, "such Contract or subsequent amendment, as the case may be, shall be disapproved by the Commissioner, and consequently, rendered null and void."

The Rockets believe in White's ability, and despite the untenable situation now, the Rockets want to make this work -- even if they have to start fresh after the 2012-13 season. With the Rockets (20-14) finding their groove with guards James Harden and Jeremy Lin and in position to become a playoff team, they appear content to find common ground later rather than sooner.

Another person who requested anonymity because of the sensitive situation told USA TODAY Sports that White insists he wants to play.

The Rockets invested in White, selecting him with the No. 16 overall pick in June. They will pay him $1.6 million this season and $1.7 million next season. Despite the untenable stalemate now, it is in Houston's best interest to make it work.

The Rockets assigned White to their D-League affiliate last week, but he did not report. White clarified that he didn't decline the D-League assignment and said he is declining all work with the Rockets "until a protocol is put in place that ensures safety," White said on Twitter.

When the Rockets assigned White to the D-League last week, he released a statement saying the Rockets have not listened to medical professionals, a point the Rockets dispute.

While the Rockets mostly have been quiet about the situation, White has not. He has been outspoken on Twitter and in his statement -- a passionate and eloquent defender of mental health at times. He has alienated his employer and fans with his approach at other times.

Shortly after the Rockets announced his suspension, White sent several tweets.

"Threat, Fines, Suspension won't deter me. I won't accept illogical health decisions, I will keep asking for safety & health. #BeWell @dmorey"

"Again the @HoustonRockets management has gone against what THEIR OWN docs have declared & their own words. #Illogical"

White also re-tweeted a number of homophobic, sexist and derogatory messages directed at him. While some people on Twitter have been supportive of White -- "Wishing you health and a bright future. You'll get through this. Stay positive," one person tweeted -- most posts have been like these:

"You are one of over 400 NBA players. You are the only one who has this issue. Maybe you are the problem."

"Can't wait for my son to tell me stories about how his high school janitor was the 16th pick."

MORE UGLY TWEETS

Some sample tweets people sent to Royce White on Sunday after the Rockets announced he was suspended:

From @brett742: "you are worthless you don't have a disorder you are a drug addict.. waste of talent"

From @Jeremy_Texans: "your not disabled, your just a basket case. I would be offended if I had a real disability"

From @amin30: "you're a b-----. Man up and deal with your female problem"