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Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders, already out for the year with an orbital one fracture, has been suspended five games by the NBA for violating the terms of the NBA/NBAP Anti-Drug Program, the league announced Friday. As Sanders is out for the season due to injury, he will serve the suspension beginning with the next game he is eligible to play in, next season.
It's been a nightmare year for Sanders after signing a four-year, $44 million extension last summer. He was involved in and cited by police for a bar fight in which he suffered a broken thumb. In January he was cited by police for leaving his dogs out in the cold. He's clashed with teammates and coaches, and has appeared in only 23 games this season, averaging 11 points and 7.2 rebounds shooting just 46 percent from the field as a big man.
Sanders provides a cautionary tale for massive extensions after one productive season, especially after a late-season clash with Monta Ellis last year. The five-game suspension is typically levied for repeated positive testing for marijuna.
The Bucks issues statements from the organization and Sanders:
The Milwaukee Bucks issued the following statement:
“Larry Sanders has a responsibility to every person in our organization and our fans. We are all disappointed by the news of his suspension.”
Larry Sanders issued the following statement:
“I apologize to the entire Bucks organization and our fans for being suspended five games for using marijuana in violation of the NBA Anti-Drug Program. I take full responsibility for my actions.”
