Tristan Thompson Suspended 25 Games for Violating NBA's Drug Policy
The Cleveland Cavaliers player is averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds this season
Tristan Thompson has been suspended for 25 games without pay after testing positive for two steroids
The Cleveland Cavaliers player violated terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033
The athlete has navigated off-the-court controversy over the years, and shares two children with Khloé Kardashian — True, 5, and Tatum, 1
Tristan Thompson has been suspended for 25 games without pay after testing positive for two types of steroids, the NBA announced Tuesday.
The 32-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers player violated terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, the league said in a statement.
Thompson’s suspension will be effective beginning with Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, per the NBA.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the Cavaliers say they, "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 following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/oqNXP7Zvak
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 23, 2024
According to the National Institutes of Health and WebMD, ibutamoren promotes the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, while SARM LGD-4033 or Ligandrol, mimics the activity of testosterone in the body and is used to increase energy, improve athletic performance and increase muscle growth.
Both drugs are also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NCAA.
Thompson returned to the Cavs this year after playing for the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings last season. Before his one-year stint with the Celtics in 2020-21, the athlete was with the Cavs for nine seasons.
Thompson played one year for the University of Texas before declaring for the NBA draft in 2011. The Cavs drafted him fourth overall in June of that year.
The athlete has navigated off-the-court controversy over the years, and shares two children with Khloé Kardashian — True, 5, and Tatum, 1.
In an episode last fall of The Kardashians, Thompson shared that he “would love” to reconcile with the Good American founder, and that he learned a lesson about “accountability” after his cheating scandal.
"I’m a firm believer that if you make a mistake, you have to be accountable for it and stand on two feet. You do the crime, ya gotta own it," he said in the episode.
Earlier this month, the 6-foot-10, 250-pound veteran was ejected from the 2024 NBA Paris Game in a matchup against the Nets in a game in which he struggled at the line and later hit Brooklyn center Nic Claxton on the shoulder.
In 36 games this season, the Canadian-born athlete is averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while playing 12.4 minutes per game.
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