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Andersen dismissed from NBA for drug use
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-28 14:40 NEW YORK - New Orleans Hornets
forward Chris Andersen was dismissed and disqualified from the NBA on Friday for
violating the league's drug policy.
Andersen must wait two years before he can apply for reinstatement, the
league said.
According to the league's collective bargaining agreement, a player can only
be disqualified for a fourth positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, or a
first positive test for "drugs of abuse."
New Orleans
Hornets' Chris Andersen, known as 'Birdman,' flashes his bird sign after
signing a new contract in Kenner, La., Aug. 3, 2005. Andersen was
dismissed and disqualified from the NBA on Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, for
violating the league's drug policy. Andersen must wait two years before he
can apply for reinstatement, the league said. [AP] |
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The drugs on that list are amphetamine and its analogs, which include
methamphetamine; cocaine; LSD; opiates, including heroin, codeine and morphine;
and PCP.
Andersen has not previously been suspended for testing positive for
performance-enhancing drugs. Under the CBA, the first positive test for
performance-enhancing drugs results in a 10-game suspension.
Andersen, 27, averaged 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in 32 games this season,
his fifth in the NBA. He played three seasons for the Nuggets before joining the
Hornets.
Known as "Birdman" for his high-flying dunks, Andersen was a fan favorite
among Hornets fans in Oklahoma City, where the team is playing most of its home
games this season.
Hornets owner George Shinn said in a statement released by the team, "we were
obviously disappointed and saddened to hear that Chris has been dismissed from
the league.
"On behalf of his teammates, coaches and the entire organization, we wish him
well and hope he learns from this experience," Shinn said.
Neither the NBA nor the union is allowed to comment on specifics of a
player's drug test.
"The players' association plans on filing a grievance on Chris Andersen's
behalf," union spokesman Dan Wasserman said. "Our expectation is that a
grievance hearing will take place in approximately two weeks."
The hearing will be heard by an independent grievance arbitrator.
Andersen played in 67 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 7.7 points
and 6.1 rebounds.
He is best known for his performance in the NBA's dunk contest last year when
he needed eight tries to finish his first dunk.
Andersen is the first player kicked out because of drugs since Stanley
Roberts in 1999.
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