NBA Playoffs 2014 Bracket, Teams & Standings: Bucks' Larry Sanders Violates Anti-Drug Program; Suspended for 5 Games

Larry Sanders, center for the Milwaukee Bucks, has been facing a lot of scrutiny lately for getting involved in a bar fight, his mediocre performance in the NBA, suffering from an injury that ended his stint for the whole season, and publicly complaining that he's not being put on court much. 

As the 2013-2014 NBA season ends, Sanders added another item to his worsening reputation by getting suspended for five games after testing positive for marijuana, as reported by Sports Illustrated. The NBA announced the news of the drug test on April 4, 2014. 

He apologized after violating the Anti-Drug Program of the NBA. Getting such a suspension means that Sanders failed three separate drug tests within a span of time. Marijuana use results to a five-game suspension, while use of performance-boosting drugs results to a 20-game suspension for first-time offenders. Sanders forwarded his apologies to the whole Bucks organization and the Bucks fans, saying that he takes full responsibility for his actions, according to a report by the Journal Sentinel. 

His official statement was, "I apologize to the entire Bucks organization and our fans for being suspended five games for using marijuana in violation of the NBA Anti-Drug Program." 

The Bucks gave a statement, saying that they are all disappointed by Sanders actions and his subsequent suspension. John Hammond, general manager of the Bucks, did not comment. 

Sanders played 23 games for the 2013-2014 season, starting as center 20 times and averaged 22 minutes of play. His stats are 7.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. He was just spending the rest of the year on the bench due to an orbital one fracture. He will begin serving the suspension in the next game he is eligible to play in the 2014-2015 season. Sanders recently signed a $44 million extension for four years with the Bucks, in a report by CBS. 

The Milwaukee Bucks have been out of the NBA playoffs since the third week of March 2014. They hold a 14-72 record.