Tristan Thompson Suspended 25 Games for Violating NBA's Drug Policy

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Tristan Thompsonhas been suspended for 25 games without pay after testing positive for two types of steroids, the NBA announced Tuesday.

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.”

According to the National Institutes of HealthandWebMD, 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.

Tristan Thompson.

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 withKhloé Kardashian— True, 5, and Tatum, 1.

In an episode last fall ofThe 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 veteranwas ejected from the 2024 NBA Paris Game in a matchup against the Netsin a game in whichhe struggled at the lineand later hit Brooklyn center Nic Claxton on the shoulder.

In 36 games this season,the Canadian-born athleteis averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while playing 12.4 minutes per game.

source: people.com