Tristan Thompson suspended for 25 games after violating NBA anti-drug policy
FILE - Tristan Thompson #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pauses during the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Dec. 16, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND - Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson was suspended 25 games without pay by the NBA on Tuesday for violating the league's anti-drug policy.
According to the league, the 32-year-old Thompson tested positive for ibutamoren, a growth hormone, and SARM LGD-4033, commonly used by body builders and weight lifters for muscle enhancement.
Thompson will begin serving his suspension Wednesday when the Cavs play the first of two games in three days at Milwaukee.
There was no immediate comment from Thompson or the Cavs.
FILE - Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to a game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on Jan. 22, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Thompson is in his second stint with the Cavs, who originally drafted the Canadian with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2011 draft. The 6-foot-11 Thompson has become a beloved player in Cleveland. He was a member of the 2016 NBA championship team, which won the city's first major pro sports title since 1964.
Thompson spent his first nine seasons as a pro with the Cavs before bouncing around. He's also played with Boston, Sacramento, Indiana, Chicago and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Cavs, who have won eight straight games, re-signed him as a free agent before this season. He's averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12 minutes.