CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers veteran center Tristan Thompson has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.
In a statement, the NBA says the 32-year-old Thompson is being suspended for testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033. Ibutamoren, also known as MK-677, is "an orally active growth hormone secretagogue," according to the National Institutes of Health.
SARM LGD-4033 is a selective androgen receptor modulator, also known as ligandrol. It "mimics the activity of testosterone in the body" and is also used to "increase energy" and "improve athletic performance."
“The Cleveland Cavaliers fully support the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program, and we are disappointed in the recent news surrounding Tristan Thompson. His time away from game action will have an impact on our team. We stand behind Tristan and offer our support throughout this suspension period," the Cavaliers posted in a statement.
Thompson's suspension will begin on Wednesday when the Cavs visit Milwaukee to take on the Bucks. The Cavaliers say Thompson will be able to practice, travel, and be present at the team's facility. On gamedays, he will be allowed to be at the arena up until two hours prior to game time.
The suspension comes as the Cavaliers are playing their best basketball of the season, having won eight straight games. Thompson, in his second stint in Cleveland, has played in 36 games and is averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest.
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