5:08pm: Highsmith struck a person who was helping a driver whose car was stuck in the middle of the road, Jackson states in a full story, citing a report by Miami radio reporter Andy Slater. The victim had his leg partially amputated and is listed in critical condition, according to Slater. Highsmith wasn’t arrested and is expected to return to the team soon, Jackson adds.
4:50pm: Haywood Highsmith will miss tonight’s game after being involved in an auto accident after Tuesday’s contest, the Heat announced in an email.
“We have been made aware that Highsmith was involved in a car accident heading home from last night’s game,” a statement from the team reads. “Highsmith is listed as out for tonight’s contest against the San Antonio Spurs due to Personal Reasons. Our hearts go out to those who were injured. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Highsmith didn’t suffer any significant injuries in the crash, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald (Twitter link). No details have been released about the extent of injuries to anyone else involved, but Jackson states that no one was killed.
The 27-year-old combo forward has seen his role shift frequently throughout his third season in Miami. He has started 24 of the 37 games he has appeared in, but his playing time has declined recently as the roster has gotten healthier. Highsmith was on the court for just three minutes in Tuesday’s blowout win over Orlando.