Cavaliers’ Tristan Thompson suspended 25 games for anti-drug policy violation

Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson has been handed a 25-game suspension without pay by the NBA for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. The 32-year-old tested positive for ibutamoren, a growth hormone, and SARM LGD-4033, commonly used for muscle enhancement among bodybuilders and weightlifters.

Thompson’s suspension commences on Wednesday, coinciding with the Cavs’ two-game stretch against the Milwaukee Bucks, and he becomes eligible to return on March 16 against the Houston Rockets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers issued a statement expressing their full support for the NBA’s anti-drug program and standing behind Thompson throughout his suspension. The team acknowledged the impact of his absence on the court and voiced disappointment regarding the recent news surrounding the player.

Despite the setback, Thompson is permitted to travel and participate in practices during the suspension, with the only restriction being that he must leave the arena at least two hours before tipoff for any games.

Tristan Thompson, a key figure in Cleveland’s 2016 NBA championship-winning team, is in his second stint with the Cavs after being drafted by them in 2011.

Known for his contributions to the city, Thompson has also played for several other NBA teams during his career, including the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Cavaliers, currently on an eight-game winning streak, re-signed Thompson as a free agent for the current season, where he has been averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.