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Update 11:40 p.m.: The league announced the suspension for Calathes. His 20-game suspension begins Saturday.
Yahoo Sports reports that Memphis Grizzlies point guard Nick Calathes has been suspended 20 games for violation of the NBA Anti-Drug policy.
Memphis guard Nick Calathes will be suspended 20 games for violation of NBA's Anti-Drug policy, source tells Yahoo. Supension starts now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) April 18, 2014
Calathes tested positive for Tamoxifen, which he was part of an over-the-counter athletic supplement he had used, source tells Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) April 18, 2014
The NBA is expected to announce the Calathes suspension tonight or Saturday, sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) April 18, 2014
The NBA's lab results showed no traces of testosterone or PED in supplement, source says. "There was no intent here," league source tells Y!
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) April 18, 2014
re: Calathes. PG practiced today and team is aware of suspension for violating Anti-Drug Policy. NBA announcement expected Saturday.
— Ronald Tillery (@CAGrizBeat) April 18, 2014
The suspension comes on the eve of the Grizzlies' Game 1 on the road vs. Oklahoma City in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Against a fast, talented team in the Thunder, Memphis needed Calathes who improved from early struggles to show significant ability in running a team and providing a spark. Beno Udrih should get his minutes, but has rarely played with Memphis after being signed after the Knicks waived him.
Calathes averaged 4.9 points and 2.9 assists per game (10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per 36 minutes) for Memphis this season.