The NBA announced Friday that Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders has been suspended for five games for violating the NBA/NBPA's joint anti-drug program.
This continues a horrible public relations year for Sanders, who signed a four-year, $44-million contract with the Bucks this past offseason.
Sanders has been limited to 23 games this season due to a broken orbital bone and, previously, a hand injury sustained in a bar fight. It also came to light that he was cited for cruelty to animals for leaving two puppies outside in the cold for hours without shelter, food, or water. It's been a very damaging year for Sanders.
For what it's worth, a five-game suspension is the length for marijuana abuse, which Sanders has already taken responsibility for via a release through the Bucks.
Sanders: I apologize to the entire Bucks organization & our fans for being suspended five games…I take full responsibility for my actions.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 4, 2014
In statement released by team Bucks C Larry Sanders apologizes to Bucks fans/organization "for using marijuana" to earn five-game suspension
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 4, 2014