A phone call was made. And Mateen Cleaves was spinning back, racing north on I-75, no longer concerned about the Pistons' playoffs chances or what time the private plane left for the next city. Mateen was back in Flint. For all the worst reasons. And in the NBA, because we have a lot of guys who come from tough situations, this happens more than people realize.
Players have to deal with things every day.
Or your brother is dead. Old world calling. Always brothers Now, Herbert Cleaves was not unknown to the Pistons, Michigan State, or anyone else familiar with Mateen's story. According to those who knew him, Herbert was upbeat, smiling, a big basketball fan. He was also, shall we say, in deference to the deceased, a man with baggage.