Al Jefferson hasn’t been seen lately for the Hornets, and from the looks of it, he likely won't return until 2016.
Already out because of a leg injury, Big Al was meted a five-game suspension (without pay) by the NBA for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, the team announced Wednesday.
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Jefferson has been out since Nov. 30 and was expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a strained left calf. The suspension will take effect only when Jefferson is cleared to return.
This development comes as a big blow for the Hornets, who are second East at 13-8, just a game behind Cavaliers (14-7).
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Jefferson was regretful of the incident and made the following statement via NBA.com:
“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. 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.”
It was never brought out in the open on what kind of drug Jefferson took. When asked by a reporter on whether the substance was marijuana, Jefferson simply replied that it was a “failed drug test” per ESPN.
Jefferson is in the final year of his contract with the Hornets and has not been putting up his regular numbers.
Compared to his career averages of 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, Jefferson has only managed to put up 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds thus far.
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