Fansided

Larry Sanders is still suspended, despite suspension ending

By Charles Rahrig V

Nov 29, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Referees break up a scuffle between Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Referees break up a scuffle between Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Milwaukee Bucks’ center’s suspension is over, but he can’t return just yet

Milwaukee Bucks’ center Larry Sanders was suspended last month by the NBA for violating their Anti-Drug program. Sanders 10-game suspensions is officially up as the Bucks played their 10th game without him against the Houston Rockets on Friday, but the Bucks center can’t return quite yet.

More from Milwaukee Bucks

While the games have been served, Sanders cannot return to the Bucks until he is in “full compliance” with the treatment program he is currently in.

A spokesman for the NBA confirmed this to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"The 10th game of the suspension period was Friday night as the Bucks met the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. But the suspension will not end until he is in “full compliance” with his treatment program, a league spokesman confirmed Friday."

Sanders failed his fourth test for marijuana before he was finally suspended for 10 games. Considering a fourth failed marijuana test in the NFL would make a player suspended for the season, getting suspended for 10 games seems rather light in comparison.

The Bucks have had a successful season with their young players, despite losing the No. 2 overall in June’s draft, Jabari Parker, to a season ending ACL injury.

They currently stand at 27-23, which is good for sixth in the Eastern Conference. Still, the team could use Sanders’ rim protecting ability and defense in the post.

Larry Sanders was given a $44 million contract extension in 2013 after his effort and athletic ability as a center helped anchor the post for Milwaukee.

Since then, it hasn’t been easy for Sanders who has been suspended for violating league policies and has had to deal with personal issues.

He hasn’t played since Dec. 23 since he was ill and had other issues to deal with and has missed the last 21 games total for the Bucks.

Despite his time being up, Larry Sanders still has to show the league that he is ready to return and will comply with the rules that are in place. His return would be a welcome addition to the Bucks, who have been rolling this year and getting back a player that has the ability to be an anchor in the post, would help them take another step.

If Sanders can’t show he is able to overcome his issues, then it might be a while before he is in compliance and on the court for the Bucks.

[H/T: SI]

[H/T: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

More from FanSided

Home/Milwaukee Bucks