Basketball - Robert Hite Charged With DUI

Heat rookie Robert Hite was charged with driving under the influence and as a result he missed Miami’s game against Dallas.

Miami television station WSVN broadcasted this news after it had managed to lay its hands on the Miami Beach Police report. According to the report, Hite was stopped for speeding and it was then that an officer detected a strong alcoholic odor emanating from his breath. The report also mentioned that Hite’s speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot.

Miami Dade Corrections spokesperson Janelle Hall said that Hite was released after posting a bond of $1,000. He was released at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Hite was not seen in the arena for the Heat’s game which started at 1:00 p.m.

In the meantime, Ron Rothstein, Heat’s interim coach, said that he did not know anything about the incident or where Hite was. However, Rothstein did say that he would find out what had happened and expressed concern but did not want to say anything as he was not aware so to what had happened.

Media placed calls to Miami Beach police spokesman for further details on the incident but they were not returned. In the meantime, the team refused any comments on the incident and a call to Hite’s cell phone was not answered.

Hite is a former standout from University of Miami. He signed up with the Heat as an undrafted free agent in August 2006. On January 4, 2007, Hite scored a season high of 16 points. Till now, he has averaged 4.3 points in 12 games that he has played for the Heat.