The NBA has a very strict anti-drug policy and isn’t afraid to punish players who violate it.
On Tuesday morning, Shams Charania reported that Cleveland Cavaliers star Tristan Thompson has been suspended for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug program.
Thompson reportedly tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033.
His suspension will begin immediately with Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA says Tristian Thompson tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033. https://t.co/HmZ6MhHgFR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 23, 2024
Those are a growth hormone stimulator and drug that improves lean body mass and also increases muscle strength.
For the season, Thompson has averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Thompson first joined the league in 2011 after being selected by the Cavaliers as the fourth pick in the draft.
He found a lot of success with the team and won a championship back in 2016.
He spent many years with the Cavaliers before he moved on to the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls.
In the offseason, he signed a one-year contract with Cleveland.
His return to the Cavaliers has been celebrated by fans who admire his size and power, especially in the paint.
Has been playing for about 12 minutes per game so far and will now miss a large amount of games because of his violation of the drug policy.
The Cavaliers were already short-handed before this suspension, with both Darius Garland and Evan Mobley suffering major injuries weeks ago.
The team also officially lost Ricky Rubio this year after his retirement.
The Cavaliers will still have options without Thompson but his absence will definitely hurt the team.
And it also makes his future with the Cavaliers unclear.
Will they sign another contract with Thompson after this incident or let him find another place in the league?
NEXT: Cavs Rookie Has Been Suspended For 2 Games