Tristan Thompson’s Career Could Be Over As He’s Kicked Out Of NBA For Drug Violations

Summary

• Tristan Thompson suspended from the NBA for violating anti-drug program with banned substances.
• NBA's Anti-Drug Program aims to address substance abuse and promote a healthy environment.
• Thompson's suspension could have severe consequences for his career if he violates the program again.

Tristan Thompson has been in the media for plenty of scandals, mostly related to infidelity. But he’s making headlines for a new type of scandal recently, after it was revealed the basketball star has been suspended from the NBA without pay for allegedly violating its anti-drug program.

According to TMZ, Thompson tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, both of which are substances banned by the league as they’re considered to be performance enhancers.

Despite the risks (both health-wise and to their career), some athletes turn to performance enhancers to improve their strength as well as speed up recovery. But it can have detrimental consequences if the player is caught with the illicit substances in their system.

Tristan Will Miss 25 Games After Testing Positive For Performance Enhancers

For now, Thompson hasn’t publicly addressed the allegations of substance abuse. However, the NBA has confirmed Tristan’s suspension is effective as of Wednesday, when the Cleveland Cavaliers are scheduled to compete against the Milwaukee Bucks. He'll be side lined for a total of 25 games.

The NBA's Anti-Drug Program was established in 1983 as a response to growing concerns about substance abuse among players. It aims to address issues related to drug and alcohol use while promoting a healthy and drug-free environment within the league, incorporating education, prevention, and treatment components.

As part of the program, players are subject to both random and reasonable cause drug testing throughout the season and the offseason (which is likely how Thompson was caught). If a player violates the NBA's anti-drug policy, the consequences can range from mandatory counseling and rehabilitation to suspensions.

The severity of the penalty depends on the nature and frequency of the violation, with repeated offenses leading to more stringent measures, including lengthy suspensions or even dismissal from the league. Should Thompson violate the program in the future once he returns from his suspension, the consequences could be even more dire and permanent for his career.

Thompson Just Re-Signed With The Cleveland Cavaliers In September

Thompson, a Canadian basketball player, just re-joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in September, so he’s off to a rocky start with the team given his suspension. He entered the NBA as the fourth overall pick in the 2011 draft, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Known for his prowess as a rebounder and defensive presence, Thompson played a crucial role in the Cavaliers' success, contributing to their NBA Championship in 2016.

Tristan played for a variety of teams in recent years, including the Los Angeles Lakers, the Sacramento King, the Chicago Bulls, and the Boston Celtics, but he returned to his original team in the fall.

For now, Khloe Kardashian hasn’t commented on Tristan’s suspension. Despite sharing two children, the pair have been broken up since June 2021, after Khloe revealed Tristan fathered a baby boy with another woman while in a relationship with her (a child he’s allegedly yet to meet and even initially denied being the father of).

Tristan has maintained a close relationship with the Kardashian-Jenners despite being exposed for cheating on Khloe multiple times. He even temporarily moved into Khloe’s house last year while his was undergoing renovations. So, if history repeats itself, it’s likely Khloe will support Tristan as he weathers this new scandal.