The NBA has suspended Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers for 25 games without pay for violating the league’s anti-drug program.
According to the statement released on Tuesday, Thompson tested positive for two banned drugs. Ibutamoren is used to stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone, which the league prohibits because it increases lean body mass. SARM LGD-4033 is a selective androgen receptor modulator, which is an anabolic chemical.
It’s unclear how long Thompson used the medications. In 36 games for Cleveland this season, the 32-year-old has averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds.
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/oqNXP7Zvak
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 23, 2024
In April 2023, the NBA agreed to stop testing players for marijuana. It was a continuation of the league’s decision to stop testing in March 2020 due to the pandemic. But random drug testing continued for human growth hormone and performance-enhancers.
The league also reserves the right to screen for what it calls “drugs of abuse,” such as methamphetamine, opiates and cocaine.
