Bucks Larry Sanders Suspended 5 Games

Just when you think that the struggling 14-61 Milwaukee Bucks' problems couldn't mount any higher, think again. Earlier today, Bucks center Larry Sanders was suspended five games as a result of violating the NBA Anti-Drug policy using marijuana. Sanders is already out with a broken thumb which resulted from a bar fight he had earlier in the year and was also given a citation by the police for leaving his dogs out in the cold. The Bucks cannot seem to catch a break with the man they had signed a four year, 44 million dollar contract extension with the last summer. The Bucks team and Sanders are not strangers to trouble as they have clashed with each other on and off of the court.

The Milwaukee Bucks addressed the situation via Twitter (@Bucks) stating, "Larry Sanders has a responsibility to every person in our organization and our fans. We are all disappointed by the news of his suspension." Two minutes later, another tweet was sent to the infinite world of Twitter from the Bucks organization quoting the 2010 1st Round 15th Overall draft pick. "Sanders: I apologize to the entire Bucks organization & our fans for being suspended five games...I take full responsibility for my actions."

The suspension will take place as soon as he is able to compete on the floor which will probably be next season. The apology seems to be generally accepted amongst the Milwaukee Bucks fans, but some are not buying his apology. Sanders seems to be prone to getting into trouble. According to the NBA's Anti-Drug Policy, the players are subjected to "drop" anytime without notice. This is the third time Sanders has failed the drug test administered by the NBA. How do I know this? Well, according to the NBA Article XXXIII Anti Drug Program, the First Violation, the player has no choice but to enter the Marijuana Program. The Second Violation, the player will be fined $25,000 and, if the player is not then subject to in-patient or aftercare treatment in the Marijuana Program. be required to enter the Marijuana Program. For the Third Such Violation the player shall be SUSPENDED for (5) five games, and if this player is not then subject to in-patient or aftercare treatment in the Marijuana Program. The next time (if there is a next time) that Sanders fails a drug test, he will be for five games longer than his immediately preceding suspension.

Plainly speaking, if Sanders fails again, it will be a ten game suspension. If he fails after that, it will be a fifteen game suspension, and so on. With the Bucks attempting to leave this bad season behind and looking ahead to the NBA Draft, you have to wonder if keeping the troublesome Larry Sanders is really worth 44 million dollars.

Cleveland Sports Talk National Writer, Briyant Hines

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