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Delonte West misses first practice of training camp
By Brian Windhorst
September 29, 2009, 1:45PM

INDEPENDENCE -- Delonte West is not off to a good start with his supposed fresh start.

A day after he claimed he just wanted to focus on basketball following an arrest on gun possession, he couldn't even do that on the first day of training camp. West did not report to practice at the Cleveland Clinic Courts this morning and his absence was unexcused.

"On a personal note, you always hope he's doing well," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "But I have to continue looking forward and coaching this team. Whether it is Delonte or somebody else, if they miss practice and it is unexcused it will be handled internally."

Brown said team general manager Danny Ferry was handling the issue. He said he wasn't aware if Ferry or anyone else from the team had been in contact with West.

"We have to try as best we can to maintain that bunker mentality and not let outside influences take us off course," Brown said.

On Monday, West downplayed his gun arrest in Maryland two weeks ago. He said he was back on his medicine and back to a routine that centered around basketball. West has battled a mood disorder his whole life and last year talked about his issues publicly after leaving the team during training camp to seek treatment.

"Right now what I want to focus on is this team and playing basketball," West said Monday.

christian72589 wrote:I like Delonte man, i hope he's alright and isn't going to mess up his life, to hell with basketball. This guy needs to get better.

P.S. Bombay, love the sig. It makes it better that you have to explain it and totally proves my point hahahaha

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West practices; Danny Ferry will address situation Saturday

Cavaliers guards Delonte West, who missed the first two days of practice, and Mo Williams were sitting and talking at the base of a basket as practice drew to a close Thursday afternoon.

Cavs coach Mike Brown said West went through the entire practice with no restrictions, adding that he thought West would be available to play in Saturday's Wine and Gold Scrimmage at the University of Akron. Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry will address the situation then, according to a Cavs spokesman.

Meanwhile, some of West's newest teammates were looking forward to getting to know him and seeing how he -- and they -- fit into the scheme of things.

"Delonte came in and had a great practice today," said shooting guard Anthony Parker, who has been playing with the first team in West's absence. "He's definitely a big part of this team."

Shaquille O'Neal said he talked to West but declined to share the nature of their conversation.

"He's a vital part to this team," O'Neal said. "I watched him play last year, and he's a fabulous player. We're all in this together, so we support him and stick by him."

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf ... elo_5.html

landphil wrote:

christian72589 wrote:I like Delonte man, i hope he's alright and isn't going to mess up his life, to hell with basketball. This guy needs to get better.

P.S. Bombay, love the sig. It makes it better that you have to explain it and totally proves my point hahahaha

lol that was sarcasm guy, and no it doesnt prove your point. Your the man!