Miami Rookie Found With Marijuana Is Sent Home

Miami Heat swingman Rodney Buford, a rookie from Creighton, was sent home by the team and faces disciplinary action after a small amount of marijuana was found during a customs check in Toronto.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who described the amount as “very, very, very small,” did not charge Buford. It was confiscated and the matter left to the team.

This is the first season in which NBA players are being tested for marijuana and steroids. Heat Coach Pat Riley said there might be “implications” with the league. He refused to elaborate, and Heat players would not comment on the matter.

Buford, 22, was stopped Wednesday night during a routine customs check when the Heat arrived in Toronto. Team officials said Buford will rejoin the team Saturday when it returns to South Florida.

Under NBA and union rules, if Buford were to test positive for a banned substance he would be required to enter an anti-drug program.

Buford is on probation after pleading no contest to a charge of driving under the influence in May in Nebraska.

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The Dallas Mavericks waived forward Kebu Stewart, two days after he left the team in a contract dispute. Stewart was at the Mavericks’ morning shoot-around before their season-opener against Golden State on Tuesday. He then left the team. The Mavericks signed free-agent forward Rick Hughes to replace Stewart.