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The National Basketball Association (NBA) has handed Cleveland Cavaliers centre Tristan Thompson a 25-game ban after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Thompson returned to Cleveland for the first this season since his free-agency exit in 2020. In these four years, the Canadian big man has had short stints with teams like Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics and more.
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As per the league's statement, Thompson tested positive for SARM LGD-4033, also known as ligandrol and ibutamoren. Both substances are on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list and have been associated with muscle growth and bone density. Thompson's suspension will begin from the Cavaliers' fixture with the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA statement on Thompson's 25-game suspension
The Cavs also released a statement addressing the issue which said, "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."
As the story broke, NBA fans were quick to flood social media with some hilarious reactions. Several supporters questioned whether Tristan Thompson needed to take PEDs for playing minuscule minutes for Cleveland. Others compared this situation to similar incidents from Thompson's life involving his ex-wife and pop-culture sensation Khloe Kardashian.
Check out the reactions here:
