Tristan Thompson Suspended 25 Games for Violating NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program
NEW YORK, NY (March 8, 2024) – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today 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 will begin with tomorrow’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ibutamoren is a growth hormone-releasing peptide that is used to increase muscle mass and strength. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any use.
SARM LGD-4033 is a selective androgen receptor modulator that is used to increase muscle mass and strength. It is also not approved by the FDA for any use.
Both ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033 are prohibited substances under the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.
Thompson’s Suspension
Thompson’s suspension is the longest suspension for a violation of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program since Joakim Noah was suspended for twenty games in 2017.
The suspension is a significant blow to the Cavaliers, who are currently in the midst of a playoff push. Thompson is one of the team’s most important players and his absence will be felt.
Thompson’s Statement
In a statement released by the Cavaliers, Thompson apologized for his actions.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and I am deeply sorry for the impact this has had on my team, my fans, and the NBA,” Thompson said. “I made a mistake and I am paying the price for it. I am committed to learning from this experience and moving forward.”
Reaction to Thompson’s Suspension
The reaction to Thompson’s suspension has been mixed. Some people believe that the suspension is too harsh, while others believe that it is justified.
“I think it’s a little too much,” said one fan. “He didn’t do anything violent or anything like that. He just took some supplements.”
“He knew the rules,” said another fan. “He knew that he couldn’t take those substances. He made a choice and now he has to live with the consequences.”
The NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program
The NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program is a joint program between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The program is designed to prevent and deter the use of performance-enhancing drugs by NBA players.
The program includes a variety of measures, including random drug testing, education, and treatment.
The Importance of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program
The NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps to ensure that NBA games are played on a level playing field. Second, it helps to protect the health and safety of NBA players. Third, it helps to maintain the integrity of the NBA.
Conclusion
The suspension of Tristan Thompson is a reminder that the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program is a vital part of the NBA. The program helps to ensure that NBA games are played on a level playing field, it helps to protect the health and safety of NBA players, and it helps to maintain the integrity of the NBA.