CLEVELAND Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson has been suspended by the NBA for 25 games.
The 2016 NBA champion is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after violating the league’s anti-drug policy.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson has been suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policyCredit: Getty
Thompson won the 2016 NBA title with the CavaliersCredit: Getty
Cleveland drafted the 6-foot-9 center at No. 4 overall in 2011Credit: Getty
The NBA announced that Thompson, 32, tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033.
His suspension will start with the Wednesday clash against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ibutamoren, also known as MK 677, is a substance that increases growth hormone levels in the body, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The NIH lists it as a chemical with an “acute toxic” classification.
Sport Integrity Australia warns that “Ibutamoren is technically a poison.”
The governmental sports regulator says side effects can include “increased appetite, swelling, anxiety, numbness, and muscle pain.”
“It also causes bone mineral density to decrease and causes increased fasting blood glucose, and decreased insulin sensitivity,” per Sport Integrity Australia.
SARM LGD-4033, or Ligandrol, is an anabolic agent often used by athletes to boost lean muscle building.
Both ligandrol and ibutamoren feature on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances.
Thompson spent nine seasons with the Cavaliers after they drafted him with the fourth overall pick in 2011.
The 6-foot-9 center returned to Cleveland on a one-year contract ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.
He averaged 3.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over 36 games in the current campaign.
Earlier in January, Thompson got ejected from the NBA Paris matchup with the Brooklyn Nets after being involved in an on-court altercation with opposing players.
Cleveland won the game 111-102.