O.J. Mayo dismissed from NBA for violating league anti-drug program

O.J. Mayo has been dismissed and disqualified from the NBA after violating the terms of the league’s anti-drug program, the NBA announced Friday.

Mayo, who is currently a free agent, will be allowed to apply for reinstatement in two years under the terms of the league’s policy.

OJ Mayo has been booted from the NBA. pic.twitter.com/sbJcKcg20C

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) July 1, 2016

Mayo was suspended for 10 games back in 2011 for use of a banned substance. The league is not at liberty to disclose whatever led to his current ban.

Mayo was once the top recruit in the country and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 draft – one pick ahead of Russell Westbrook, in fact. The 28-year-old has also played for Dallas and most recently Milwaukee. He has averaged 13.8 points per game over the course of an eight year career that, relative to expectations, has been underwhelming, especially when you consider that the most notable thing that happened to him last year was scuffling with Draymond Green.

The most recent comparison to be made here is that of Chris Andersen, who was also booted from the NBA for drug use back in 2006. He served his time, was reinstated after two years, and has carved out a solid career for himself without getting into any further off-court trouble. We will see if Mayo can do the same.