NBA suspends Hornets' Al Jefferson for anti-drug program violation

Jeff Zillgitt | USA TODAY Sports

The NBA suspended Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson five games without pay for “violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program,” the league announced on Wednesday.

Jefferson, 30, is sidelined with a strained left calf and will serve the suspension when he is physically able to play.

Players are suspended by the NBA for five games for a third positive marijuana test, according to the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program in the 2011 collective bargaining agreement.

“I want to apologize to the Hornets organization, our owner, my teammates and my coaches for the poor decision that I made. I know I have let people down, especially the Hornets fans that have been so supportive of me since I arrived in Charlotte two years ago," Jefferson said in a statement. "I am blessed to be able to play the game that I love for a living and I do not take that for granted. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry, and I am committed to making smarter decisions in the future.”

Jefferson will forfeit approximately $613,000 of his $13,500,000 annual salary.