NBA suspends Deandre Ayton 25 games

Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has been suspended for 25 games by the NBA for violating the League’s anti-drug policy. This comes in less than 24 hours after he made his season debut for the 2019-20 season.

Ayton tested positive for a banned diuretic. The player has made a statement and claims he was unaware of the presence of the banned substance in something he took and that it was an unfortunate mistake.

“I want to apologize to my family, the entire Suns organization, my teammates, partners, our fans and the Phoenix community,” Ayton said in a statement Thursday night. “This was an unintentional mistake and unfortunately I put something in my body that I was completely unaware of.

“I do understand the unfortunate impact that this has on so many others, and for that I am deeply sorry. I‘m extremely disappointed that I’ve let my team down.
“I will continue to work with the Player’s Union (NBPA) to go through the arbitration process and am hopeful for a positive resolution.”

Deandre Ayton

The 2018 No.1 overall draft pick will begin serving his suspension on Friday, October 25.

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