NBA News: Denver Nuggets’ JJ Hickson Gets Five-Game Suspension For Violation Of League Rules On Drug Use

NBA News: Denver Nuggets' JJ Hickson Gets Five-Game Suspension For Violation Of League Rules On Drug Use

The NBA on Wednesday slapped Denver Nuggets center/power forward James Edward "JJ" Hickson with a five-game suspension for violation of the terms of the league's anti-drug program according to an ESPN NBA news report. The official NBA announcement of the penalty states: "J.J. Hickson of the Denver Nuggets has been suspended without pay for five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. Hickson's suspension will begin with the first game of the 2014-15 NBA regular season."

Hickson will serve his penalty beginning on the first game of the 2014-15 season. He will however still be eligible to practice and play with the team during the preseason and training camp before his suspension takes effect following the league's collective bargaining agreement.

Under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, the NBA is not required to give an official reason for Hickson's suspension. The USA Today however says "the five-game suspension likely comes from a third failed marijuana test, based on the league's anti-drug use guidelines. Harsher penalties are levied on performance-enhancing drug users."

Hickson missed the last 13 games of the 2013-14 season last because of a torn knee ligament injury incurred during the March 21 game against the Dallas Mavericks. His health still has to be re-evaluated before he is given clearance to return. He will nonetheless serve his five-game suspension regardless of his health status.

According to Bleacher Report, "the Nuggets are unlikely to be hit too hard by Hickson's absence. Denver has one of the league's deepest stables of talent, boasting no fewer than five big men...Darrell Arthur will stand to get a majority of Hickson's minutes while he's out of the lineup. JaVale McGee's return to full health combined with the drafting of Jusuf Nurkic provide the Nuggets with enough depth at center..." The 6'9" and 242 lb 26-year old Hickson averaged 11.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during his first season in Denver and was a starter for 52 games. For the 2014-15 season, his salary is listed at$5,381,750 according to ESPN.

 

 

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