Al Jefferson suspended five games for drugs

Al Jefferson is out with an injury.

When he gets healthy, he still won’t immediately play for the Hornets.

NBA release:

The NBA announced today that Al Jefferson of the Charlotte Hornets has been suspended without pay for five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. Jefferson’s suspension will begin with the next NBA regular season game that he is eligible and physically able to play.

The only five-game drug-related penalty prescribed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement is for a third violation of the marijuana policy.

So, I’ll ask: Should the NBA punish a player – especially an inactive one – for doing something that is increasingly legal and accepted in this country?

Update:

The following statement was released today by the Charlotte Hornets regarding center Al Jefferson’s five-game suspension:

“We are disappointed in Al’s decisions that led to this suspension. As an organization, we do not condone this behavior. We have addressed this with Al. He is regretful and understands that we expect him to learn from this mistake.”

The below statement is from Al Jefferson regarding the situation:

“I want to apologize to the Hornets organization, our owner, my teammates and my coaches for the poor decision that I made. I know I have let people down, especially the Hornets fans that have been so supportive of me since I arrived in Charlotte two years ago. I am blessed to be able to play the game that I love for a living and I do not take that for granted. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry, and I am committed to making smarter decisions in the future.”