Why is Delonte West still on the court after his indictment?

November 5, 6:39 PMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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Cavaliers' Delonte West in file photo from Dec. 2008 (AP)

Delonte West was suited up and ready to go if called upon during Thursday night's game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls.

Two days ago the Cavaliers' young shooting guard was indicted on numerous weapons charges in the state of Maryland.

It stems from his arrest in September of this year when Maryland police found a Bowie knife, multiple loaded hand guns and a loaded shotgun on his person and in a guitar case strapped to his motorcycle. More on the details of the charges and his arrest, here.

He was absent from the Cavs' training camp as well as the pre-season. He finally appeared in a game this past Saturday during his team's fourth game of the season.

It has been widely reported that West suffers from and is being treated for biplar disorder. His team as well as the NBA have issued no statements other than pro-forma replies to questions that indicate they are following the progress of his legal process.

Under the standard NBA contract, a player is required to acknowledge the league's right under Article 35 of the NBA Constitution to suspend or fine him for conduct that is deemed detrimental or prejudicial to his team or the NBA as a whole. That includes violations of criminal and civil laws.

In the same contract clause the player agrees to comport himself on and off the court "in accordance with the highest standards of honesty, citizenship and sportsmanship." While he hasn't taken a guilty plea or been found guilty by a jury it is clear he won't be contesting the charges. This matter will be resolved via a plea deal.

The questions surrounding the current state of his medical condition, reasons he was armed and riding a motorcycle as well as what the league is doing while the criminal law process is winding through the courts are many and unanswered.

In the meantime, David Aldrige of ESPN reported Thursday that West's teammates are rallying around him and believe that his time with the team is his only stress relief. If the NBA is showing compassion for a young man who is ill I applaud their decision.

However, the loaded weapons he was carrying could have taken out a group of people if he chose to use them. There is a delicate balance between looking kindly on someone who suffers from a terrible disease and ignoring the potential harm to others that could result from his behavior.

I hope the NBA and the Cavaliers are making the right decision.

For more info:  Cleveland Cavs Examiner, Matt Loede covers the team, here

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