When it comes to the winding journey of life, it's important to remember some basic rules along the way. One of them might be, "Lock your doors if you're going to leave a $50,000 assault rifle in a Rolls-Royce."
While you'd think that nugget of wisdom would come naturally for most, it was apparently a lesson learned for Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside over the summer.
Whiteside, 29, reportedly purchased an M16 assault rifle with ammunition, a silencer and a rifle bag for the low price of $50,000 on July 6, according to sports talk radio host Andy Slater.
Per the report, Whiteside's next move was to drive to the University of Miami for a workout. When he returned home the next day, he discovered the weapon was missing. After an investigation by police, it was determined that the gun was stolen when Whiteside left it in his unlocked Rolls-Royce at the gun store.
The rifle was reportedly discovered weeks later in a stolen car in North Miami.
Whiteside later confirmed the gun had been stolen and recovered over the summer in a statement released through the Heat on Thursday, according to the Miami Herald:
"I have a license for the gun that was stolen from me over the summer," Whiteside said in the team's statement. "I should have secured it better and I'm glad it was recovered. It won't happen again. It is now locked in a safe and I only use it at the gun range."
Hopefully, Whiteside will be locking his car doors as well. A team spokesman reportedly stated that Whiteside's purchase did not violate any team rules.
Say it ain't snow
An Ohio university basketball team had plenty of time to think about a New York City tournament when snow shut down a city bridge for more than nine hours.
The Youngstown State team was on its way to New York for the Johnny Bach Classic when an unusually heavy November snowfall halted its travels Friday on the George Washington Bridge.
The Vindicator reported that the players and coaches had plenty of snacks and water and passed the time watching movies. Coach Jerrod Calhoun said it appeared the city wasn't ready for the snow.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has promised a "full review" of the city's response.
Youngstown State defeated Columbia 94-83 Friday night.
Must-watch video
Bob Molinaro in the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, on why Duke freshman basketball sensation Zion Williamson already has about 2 million Instagram followers: "His high-school and AAU dunking highlights give cat videos a run for their money."
Sports on 11/18/2018