NBA suspends Cleveland Cavaliers’
The NBA suspended Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward Tristan Thompson for 25 games without pay for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, the league announced Tuesday.
Thompson tested positive for two banned substances, ibutamoren and SARM LDG-4033.
Ibutamoren, a human growth hormone, is used to promote the secretion of human growth hormone and is prohibited by the league due to its ability to increase lean body mass. SARM LGD-4033 ((ligandrol) is an anabolic steroid, which is commonly used by bodybuilders and weightlifters for muscle enhancement.
Thompson, 32, is averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 36 games for Cleveland this season.
Thompson will begin serving his suspension when the Cavaliers face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. He’ll be eligible to return on March 16 and will lose $726,465 in pay, according to spotrac.com
The Cavaliers said in a statement they “fully support” the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and will “stand behind” Thompson. However, they added they are “disappointed in the recent news” about Thompson.
Thompson will be able to practice and travel with the team during his suspension. However, he must leave the facility at least two hours before tip off of any games.
This is Thompson’s second stint with Cleveland after he signed with the team during the offseason. The Cavaliers used the No. 4 pick to select Thompson in the 2011 NBA draft. He won an NBA title with LeBron James in 2016.
Thompson has played for the Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers during his 13-year career.
