Washington Wizards shooting guard Jodie Meeks has been suspended for 25 games without pay after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, the NBA announced via press release:
Jodie Meeks of the Washington Wizards has been suspended without pay for twenty-five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for Ipamorelin and Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, it was announced today by the NBA.
Meeks’ suspension will begin with tomorrow’s game between the Washington Wizards and the Toronto Raptors.
Meeks will appeal, and vehemently denied the NBA’s accusation to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, claiming that he’s never used a drug in his life:
“For the past nine years I have been humbled every day to have the opportunity to walk into an NBA arena and see the name Meeks on the back of an NBA jersey,” Meeks said in a statement to ESPN. “As part of my commitment to playing in the NBA for nine years, I have been subject to countless mandatory tests for any and all drugs including performance enhancing drugs. I have passed each and every drug test without issue for the last nine years.
“Because I have never used a drug of any kind I am absolutely heartbroken and perplexed with the news today. Let me clear: I have never taken anything whatsoever for a performance-enhancing reason. I respect the game of basketball too much.
“I look forward to exercising my rights under the (NBA’s) collective bargaining agreement to bring this matter to arbitration and to clear my name in relation to this wrongful accusation.
“Unfortunately, under the rules of the CBA, until the process plays out, I will be unable to participate in the playoffs. I deeply regret and apologize for any distraction this causes the organization and my teammates as they march towards a championship playoff run.”
