Cleveland Cavaliers player Tristan Thompson has been suspended by the NBA for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program’s policy.
A statement released by the league announced that “Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been suspended without pay for twenty-five games for violating the terms of the NBA
/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033.”Thompson’s suspension starts with the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Cavs also released a slightly more personal comment.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers fully support the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program, and we are disappointed in the recent news surrounding Tristan Thompson. His time away from game action will have an impact on our team. We stand behind Tristan and offer our support throughout this suspension period.”
ESPN reported that the drugs Thompson allegedly tested
positive for, ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, are often used by bodybuilders and weightlifters to build muscle.Thompson will be eligible to return to his team on March 16, when the Cavaliers play the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, during his suspension, he will be allowed to practice and travel with the Cavaliers but he must leave the arena two hours before the start of any games.
The Canadian player had only recently returned to the team that drafted him in the 2011 NBA Draft with the fourth overall pick. He was a member of the 2016 team that came back from being down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors when they won their only NBA championship to date. Thompson has since played with the Boston Celtics, the Sacramento Kings, the Indiana Pacers, the Chicago Bulls, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Before the suspension, he was averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while playing 12 minutes.
The Cavaliers are currently on an eight-game winning streak.
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