SALT LAKE CITY — The NBA has announced Utah Jazz small forward Thabo Sefolosha has been suspended without pay for five games.
Sefolosha and Nerlens Noel of the Dallas Mavericks were each suspended for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, a statement from the NBA’s public relations department said.
“Sefolosha’s suspension will begin with the next NBA regular season or playoff game for which he is eligible and physically able to play,” the statement said.
The exact nature of Sefolosha’s suspension was not disclosed.
He released the following statement Tuesday via Twitter.
I would like to first apologize to the Utah Jazz organization, specifically to our great owners, management, coaching staff & my teammates.
I would also like to apologize to the NBA and to the fans, who have loyally supported me for the past 12 years.
I’ve made errors in judgement, for which I take full responsibility.
I sincerely regret any potential distraction this may cause my team, as it is fighting to qualify for the playoffs.
I will continue to work extremely hard, all summer long, to recover quickly from this injury, and come back, stronger and better, next season.
