New York Knicks

Joakim Noah hit with 20-game NBA suspension for anti-drug violation

Published Mar. 28, 2017 4:19 p.m. ET

Andre Vergara

UPDATE: Joakim Noah said he was trying to aid his recovery from injury by taking supplements that resulted in a drug-test violation and a 20-game suspension.

"I wanted to do something to help myself, help my body and like I said it backfired on me," Noah told reporters Tuesday. "I tried to take the right measures when I was taking the supplements and it wasn't enough."

Joakim Noah has received a 20-game suspension for a violation of the NBA's anti-drug policy, the league announced Saturday.

The New York Knicks forward tested positive for a banned over-the-counter supplement, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LGD-4033 (SARMs), though the players union concluded he didn't knowingly take it.

"Joakim was completely forthcoming and cooperative throughout the investigation and we believe that this isolated occurrence was a regrettable mistake," the union said in a statement. "Joakim has offered his deepest apologies for this infraction, and neither he nor the NBPA will pursue an appeal."

Noah, 32, hasn't played since Feb. 4 and had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Feb. 27. His suspension won't begin until he's cleared to play, which means he may have to serve most of it at the start of next season.

Noah is averaging 5 points and 8.7 rebounds in his first season in New York after signing a four-year, $72 million deal.

https://twitter.com/NykInsider/status/845667159271526400

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https://twitter.com/Steve_R_Walker/status/845652848461406208

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.