The NBA made a big statement on Friday, in fact, the biggest they've made in recent memory when it comes to putting their foot down with their drug policy. The league dismissed free agent Tyreke Evans from the NBA for violating the anti-drug program, and the former Indiana Pacers forward will not be eligible for reinstatement for at least two years. The Pacers were reportedly informed of the punishment on Friday as well, since Evans is technically still a member of their team with the off-season not yet underway. He was set to become a free agent on July 1st.
The 29-year-old played with the Pacers in their run to the Playoffs this past season, averaging 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 20.3 minutes per game. The team declined to further comment on the situation, despite getting asked about it numerous times during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. Even though this is a rare call, a player can be disqualified for testing positive for drug use, or pleading guilty to possession. Both the league and the players' association must approve the player to be reinstated once he is eligible.
Evans had some issues with the Pacers this past season, including when he was forced to sit a game for violating team rules. The veteran did apologize for that incident, but also missed three games late in the season for personal reasons and a respiratory infection. He has 10 years of experience in the NBA after getting drafted fourth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2009 out of Memphis. He has spent time with the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies, with his best season being his rookie year, when he won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2009-2010. Although, his career has taken a drastic downturn as of late, with the lowest point being now, with only a slight hope of a turnaround in a couple years.
The 29-year-old played with the Pacers in their run to the Playoffs this past season, averaging 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 20.3 minutes per game. The team declined to further comment on the situation, despite getting asked about it numerous times during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. Even though this is a rare call, a player can be disqualified for testing positive for drug use, or pleading guilty to possession. Both the league and the players' association must approve the player to be reinstated once he is eligible.
Evans had some issues with the Pacers this past season, including when he was forced to sit a game for violating team rules. The veteran did apologize for that incident, but also missed three games late in the season for personal reasons and a respiratory infection. He has 10 years of experience in the NBA after getting drafted fourth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2009 out of Memphis. He has spent time with the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies, with his best season being his rookie year, when he won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2009-2010. Although, his career has taken a drastic downturn as of late, with the lowest point being now, with only a slight hope of a turnaround in a couple years.
