Three-time NBA champ detained, deported after signing with Belgian team

Patrick McCaw, a former member of three NBA championship teams in his brief career, came across some international travel problems lately.

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It was announced that the former Golden State Warriors wing will be joining the Belgian side Filou Oostende to compete in the BNXT League, the joint first division of Belgium and the Netherlands.

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McCaw was supposed to be the best player they could get. The club made the signing public in early August.

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The alliance, though, would never bear fruit on the court. Upon his return to Belgium weeks later, passport control reportedly highlighted McCaw.

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This was reported on the Belgian sports website Sporza. According to their database, McCaw's passport was either "lost" or "stolen."

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McCaw was denied entry to the Netherlands and held for three days at the Steenokkerzeel transit facility after his passport was canceled.

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The 27-year-old apparently had a visit from Minister of State Johan Vande Lanotte while in detention, but the problem was not resolved.

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McCaw was only allowed to stay in Belgium for a total of four days before being deported back to the United States.

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The 6'7" swingman needs a new passport, but it will take "many months" to get one.

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