Grizzlies' Nick Calathes suspended for failed drug test
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Nick Calathes has been suspended by the NBA for 20 games for violating the league's drug policy, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The drug that was detected, according to the person, was Tamoxifen. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the details of the drug test are not typically disclosed.
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This is certainly unwelcome news for the Grizzlies, who have relied on the 25-year-old rookie to spell starter Mike Conley with quality minutes in Memphis' backcourt. The Grizzlies (50-32), who finished the season as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, begin their postseason on Saturday night at the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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According to the Mayo Clinic's website, Tamoxifen blocks the effects of the estrogen hormone in the body and is commonly used to treat breast cancer in men and women. In the sports world, it's more commonly used to reduce the side effects of steroids. In June of 2012, free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for Tamoxifen.
Yahoo Sports first reported the suspension.
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