Larry Sanders defending Carmelo Anthony
Feb 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) in the 2nd quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Reuters

Once pegged as one of the promising big men in the league, Larry Sanders’ career downfall continues with the latest being suspended by the league for at least 10 games for violating the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) drug policy. This is not the first time that Sanders will be banned from the league for drug use and he will be suspended without pay in this latest episode.

“The suspension by the league will begin Monday when the Bucks host the Toronto Raptors. It will continue until he's in full compliance with his treatment program,” an NBA.com article stated on Friday. “It is the second suspension for violating the league's anti-drug program in less than a year. Sanders missed the final five games of the 2013-14 season; the center said he was penalized for using marijuana.”

"We are disappointed to learn the news of Larry's suspension. We will continue to work with Larry and the league to ensure he has the support he needs,” Bucks officials said in their official statement. Sanders, who was the starting centre for the Bucks last season averages just 7.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots a game in 27 outings for the Bucks this season.

Even without Sanders, Milwaukee has surprised the league under the tutelage of head coach Jason Kidd with a 21-19 win-loss record— good for 5th place in the weak Eastern Conference. Sanders signed a huge four-year deal worth $44 million with the Bucks after the 2012-2013 season when he averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots per game.

Sanders has shown flashes of brilliance that earned him the big contract. The 26-year-old big man had 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting, 9 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in a 111-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers last Dec. 13, 2014 but that was the lone bright spot in the rather bleak season for the defensive big man.

Sanders, who was then valued as one of the league’s premier shot blockers and rim protectors, is the highest paid player in the Bucks roster getting paid $11 million per year.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au

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