The Washington Wizards secured the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference and are heading to the playoffs, but their backcourt depth took a hit before the postseason even began.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that Jodie Meeks has been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug program, which means he will miss all of the playoffs. Meeks reportedly tested positive for banned compounds Ipamorelin and Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2. The veteran guard’s lawyer, Ben Lavine, said Meeks will appeal the decision and that the NBA made its ruling “prematurely.”
“It is regrettable that the NBA has prematurely taken action against Jodie today,” Lavine said. “Accordingly, we will appeal the suspension and vigorously defend Jodie’s rights. Unfortunately, under the CBA, a player is guilty until proven innocent and while Jodie’s appeal is pending he will be forced to sit out the playoffs.”
Meeks averaged 6.3 points per game in 77 contests with the Wizards this season. His suspension will carry over into the 2018-2019 regular season if it is upheld, but he will not be permitted to play during the appeal.
