Grizzlies' Calathes calls suspension unfair, plans to appeal

Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes plans to appeal his suspension on the basis that the league's decision is unfair. However, the NBA is not planning to reverse the ruling.

Calathes tested positive for Tamoxifen, a common over-the-counter drug that is banned by the NBA. Although Tamoxifen has no inherent performance-enhancing properties, it can mask synthetic testosterone, which is often the intended biomedical product of PEDs. However, Calathes did not test positive for synthetic testosterone, nor any other PED.

"[It was] an over-the-counter supplement to treat a private but common medical condition; the NBA rejected it because it doesn't require a prescription," said Calathes' attourney David Cornwell to ESPN.

Unlike Major League Baseball, the NBA does not grant "stays", where the player is allowed to remain active before an appeal is formally heard. So it looks like Calathes will serve his suspension during the duration of Memphis' playoff run.