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The NBA announced today that J.R. Smith of the New York Knicks has been suspended without pay for five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. Smith’s suspension will begin with the first game of the 2013-14 season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.
According to the New York Daily News, “the punishment suggests that Smith did not test positive for a performance-enhancing drug but instead tested positive for marijuana. According to the league’s drug policy a player is suspended five games after a third positive test for marijuana A second offense results in a $25,000 fine while first positive test calls for the player to enter a program. Smith, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, is currently recovering from knee surgery and is not expected to be ready for the Knicks Oct. 30 regular season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. In a statement released by the league on Friday, the NBA said “Smith’s suspension will begin with the first game of the 2013-14 season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.”
More from the Daily News: “Smith signed a three-year deal worth $17 million which includes a player option after the second year of the contract. Smith averaged a career high 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists during the regular season.”
