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Sports

NBA Bans O.J. Mayo for 'Drug of Abuse' Violation

O.J. Mayo was banned for use of a Drug of Abuse under the NBA's drug program.

The NBA announced today that O.J. Mayo has been "dismissed and disqualified" from the league for violating the Anti-Drug program run jointly by the league and players association. Mayo can apply for reinstatement in two years. The statement is brief and short on details because under the terms of the program, the league, teams, and players association are prohibited from disclosing details regarding the testing or treatment of a player, and can only announce a suspension or disqualification such as this.

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Mayo received a 10-game suspension in 2011 when he tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone—a performance enhancing drug—but his disqualification does not appear to be PED related. Though the NBA did not say specifically, under the policy established in the CBA—page 11, here—it appears Mayo was suspended for use of a Drug of Abuse, which include "amphetamine and its analogs (including, but not limited to, methamphetamine and MDMA), cocaine, LSD, opiates (heroin, codeine and morphine), and PCP."

Under the terms of the program, a positive test for a Drug of Abuse automatically triggers a disqualification from the league, whereas with PEDs, that punishment is only applicable after a fourth failed drug test.

Mayo spent the last three seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, but was a free agent this summer.