Caron Butler’s rise to NBA All-Star status has coincided with two quirky personality traits: copious drinking of Mountain Dew and constant chewing of straws during games. Neither habit is particularly good for his health, but he somehow made it work.

But those days are likely over. Earlier this year, Butler announced that he gave up Mountain Dew for good. Now, according to Mike Fisher of DallasBasketball.com, the NBA is forcing Butler to give up the straw-chewing habit.

“They say it’s against the rules,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban told DB.com just moments ago. “That’s all I know.”

Talk about cruel and unusual punishment! In a related story, Butler’s averaging his fewest points per game since 2005 and his lowest field goal percentage since 2004. Clearly he needs his Dew and straws to regain his swag.

-Mike Prada, SBNation.com