NBA Suspends Tristan Thompson for 25 Games Following Positive Drug Test

The NBA has announced that Tristan Thompson, the talented centre of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been suspended for 25 games after violating the league’s anti-drug program. Thompson, hailing from Brampton, Ont., tested positive for the substances ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033. The suspension will promptly commence with the Cavs’ upcoming game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Ibutamoren is a growth hormone stimulator, while SARM LGD-4033 is currently undergoing preliminary clinical trials, showing potential for improving lean body mass and muscle strength.

While serving his suspension, Thompson will be permitted to travel and practice, albeit he must leave the arena at least two hours before tipoff for any games. The popular six-foot-eleven player has spent most of his professional career with the Cavaliers, winning an NBA championship with the team in 2016, which marked Cleveland’s first major pro sports title since 1964. Thompson has also played for other notable teams such as the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

This season, Thompson returned to the Cavaliers as a free agent, signing a one-year contract. Although his stats this year have been modest, averaging only 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12 minutes, Thompson has been instrumental in helping Cleveland navigate through a series of injuries. Despite missing key starters Darius Garland and Evan Mobley due to injury, the Cavs have managed to excel and currently hold the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 26-15. Garland and Mobley are expected to return to the lineup next month, with Garland already cleared for on-court workouts after having the wiring removed from his jaw, and Mobley progressively increasing his activity.

Thompson’s suspension brings some financial implications as well, with him receiving a $3.19 million salary this season. The 25-game suspension will result in a loss of $726,465 in earnings for Thompson. Additionally, the Cavs currently have 13 players on standard contracts and Pete Nance on a 10-Day contract that expires on January 27.

With files from Tom Withers of The Associated Press.