The NBA sanctioned Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson on Tuesday with a 25-game suspension after testing positive for Ibutamoren and Ligandrol, substances related to muscle growth and improvement, according to the North American league in a statement.
These supplements are prohibited by the anti-drug code of the competition and the NBA Players Association (NBAPA). In addition, Thompson, 32 years old and former player for the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, will not receive his salary while he is away from the courts due to this problem.
The 2016 NBA champion will begin serving his suspension this Wednesday in the game between the Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks and will not play an official match until March 16 against the Houston Rockets.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers fully support the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and are disappointed by the recent news surrounding Tristan Thompson,” his team said in a statement. “We stand by Tristan and offer him our support during this period.”
Thompson is averaging 3.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 12.4 minutes per game this season. The center has helped the Cleveland team overcome a streak of injuries throughout the current campaign, as J.B. Bickerstaff has been without guard Darius Garland and power forward Evan Mobley for more than a month.
The ‘Cavs’ have gone 13-3 without them and, with a 26-15 record, are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference. In his last performance, Thompson achieved four points and five rebounds this Tuesday in Cleveland’s victory against the Orlando Magic (126-99).
