MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AP) — The NBA suspended guard O.J. Mayo for 10 games without pay on Thursday for violating the league and union’s anti-drug program with a positive doping test.
Mayo tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), blaming an over-the-counter supplement that he didn’t know was banned by the NBA.
His suspension will start on Friday when the Grizzlies visit Philadelphia, and he will be able to return on Feb. 15 also against the 76ers in Memphis.
Mayo said in a statement released by the team that he was extremely disappointed he will miss 10 games as the Grizzlies were making a push for the playoffs.
“It was an honest mistake, but I take full responsibility for my actions,” Mayo said. “I apologize to my fans, teammates and the Grizzlies organization for regrettably not doing the necessary research about what supplements I can put in my body.”
Mayo was the No. 3 draft pick overall in 2008, and Minnesota swapped him in a draft night deal to the Grizzlies for Kevin Love. Mayo was runner-up to Chicago’s Derrick Rose for rookie of the year.
But the guard was moved to the bench this season, starting just 15 of Memphis’ 45 games this season. He’s been bandied about as possible trade bait even while ranking fourth on the Grizzlies with 12.2 points per game.
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said Mayo will continue practicing with the team during his suspension.
“O.J. had a lack of judgment but has shown complete accountability,” Heisley said in a statement. “We will continue to support O.J. during this time as we have from the moment he joined the team in 2008. He has unselfishly done everything we have asked of him, and we expect him to grow as a player and a person from this experience.”
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.