re: Texas A&M 55 @ LSU 66 Final - ESPN2

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So, if Waters is not on the bench tonight do we assume he is still sick? Or do we assume there are some underlying issues that have not been released to the public?

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If he's not on the bench tonight I think it's reasonable to start to speculate that there may be something more than a "illness". That said, this cloud of suspicions seems curious for several reasons.

1. Wade has generally been pretty upfront about player news. If they are suspended, he says as much. If they are hurt, he discusses that. It would be a bit out of character to see him completely lie about a situation, though not implausible.

2. For the life of me I can't understand what Waters or his confidants would be upset about other than a late game arse chewing vs. Florida. It's not as if he his underutilized. Until last week, he led the team in minutes played. He still the leading scorer and has the ball in his hands any time he is on the court. He is essentially tasked with creating LSU's offense.

Perhaps he did have a concussion (as speculated) and perhaps his family was upset he was allowed to continue playing vs. UF (understandable). But is that enough to essentially quit the team? To what end? Protect a future NBA career that is "iffy", at best?

This isn't a Zion Williams situation where he is locked in as the #1 pick regardless of if he plays another minute for Duke this year. There's no guarantee Waters would be drafted even if LSU were to go on to win the NC and he is the MOP. With a draft stock that is already marginal, quitting over a dust up with the coach isn't a great look.

Until he plays again there is going to be rampant speculation