Michael Beasley's Dad Says He Has Some Serious Issues

Now comes word that Michael Beasley's rehab stay has been planned for a year, and is unrelated to his latest Twitter-related meltdown. What does this teach us, other than that this kid has long-term issues? His father has some ideas.

The Heat knew what they were in for when they drafted a man once described as "rudderless", but this isn't simply immaturity. It's been a while since we've seen someone so young melt down so completely and publicly.

The story broke tonight that Beasley's residence at a Houston-area substance abuse program is due to getting caught hotboxing a hotel room at last summer's rookie symposium, and has nothing to do with being photographed with a suspicious baggie, or some disturbing Twitter messages this weekend.

Michael Beasley Sr. went on Jorge Sedano's show on 790 The Ticket, and gave some of the usual fatherly platitudes ("it wasn't his marijuana in the photo," etc.). But he did say that the pressures of transitioning to the NBA, especially as a number 2 pick, have been getting to Beasley:

He talks about how it's a job now. In college there wasn't a lot of pressure on him so he could go out and play, but now he's got high expectations and it's work now. I think that became kind of stressful for him going from playing 30 games to 82 games and the playoffs, and it probably took a toll on him."

To his credit, Beasley says that doesn't excuse his son's actions. He's not the only one dealing with professional stress, but his personal situation isn't helping matters:

You have to abide by team rules. I don't think that it was just him. A lot of other guys on the team have to do the same things. I don't think it's that. I really think it's the overwhelming responsibility of being a father. I think that's kind of catching up with him."

Obviously there are some things wrong with Michael Beasley's life. This isn't just the case of someone liking marijuana a little too much; for that, they don't send you to rehab, they force you out of the league like J.R. Rider.

Reportedly Beasley's rehab stint will last up to 30 days, with little to no contact with the outside world during that time. His own father hasn't been able to see him:

He can't have visitors on phone calls so I'm trying to get in contact with John Lucas so I can get down there and see him just to give him a hug and let him know I love him, and I love him unconditionally, and we're here to support him in this time."

One of my most-hated journalistic conventions is when the writer has to tell you how sad a story is. So, I don't know how to end this.