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Washington Wizards: Jodie Meeks suspended for 25 games

By Jen Julie Smith

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: Jodie Meeks #20 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 14, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: Jodie Meeks #20 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 14, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jodie Meeks of the Washington Wizards was suspended by the league for 25 games, for allegedly violating the NBA anti-drug program.

On Friday, it was reported that Jodie Meeks of the Washington Wizards was suspended by the league for 25 games. The suspension is for contravention of the NBA anti-drug program.

Meeks allegedly took performance enhancing drugs.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who was the first to break the story:

"“Meeks tested positive for banned compounds ipamorelin and growth-hormone-releasing peptide-2, sources said.”"

The unpaid suspension means that Meeks is no longer on the Wizards’ postseason roster. It will also carry over into the 2018-19 season.

It’s unclear how much playing time Meeks would have received during the playoffs. Nonetheless, it is still a shock.

In a statement to ESPN, Meeks vowed to clear his name:

"“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 be clear: I have never taken anything whatsoever for a performance-enhancing reason. I respect the game of basketball too much.”"

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Meeks has the right to appeal his suspension. According to his counsel, he plans on doing so.

Right now the Wizards are focused on the playoffs. But he’s still in his teammates’ thoughts.

John Wall told Candace Buckner of the Washington Post, that he’s shocked and he hopes Meeks can clear his name.

Right now Washington is fighting for their postseason. While Meeks fights this battle, in the words of Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld, “We will let that process play out”.

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