With the beginning of free agency starting this past midnight, the NBA stayed busy in other matters, announcing the dismissal and disqualification for ex-Bucks shooting guard O.J. Mayo for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug program. While the details of Mayo's violation remain vague, the former USC Trojan guard will be eligible to apply for reinstatement in two years under the Anti-Drug program.

The shooting guard and previous No. 3 overall pick was set to be a free agent this upcoming offseason and most likely would have been acquired barring this disqualification from the league. Now at 28 years old, the 7-year veteran will have the option to be reinstated when he's 30. Ultimately, Mayo will miss the prime years of physical fitness in the association, usually between 27 and 30.

Mayo's disqualification already gained national media attention with analysts and media around the country, but the NBA also delivered a press release simply announcing the dismissal and terms of the dismissal. As more and more free agents this offseason gain ridiculous contracts due to the unprecedented increase in cap space, many see Mayo's dismissal as a missed opportunity to cash out for the mediocre shooting guard.

The NBA has disqualified 10 other players in league history, including one player twice:

Mayo appeared in just 41 games under Bucks' head coach Jason Kidd last season and averaged only 7.8 points per game. He spent the last three seasons with the franchise.

After the suspension, the Bucks will now turn to the free agent market to try and upgrade that backup point guard position.

[button width=”full” button size=”bigger” color=”custom” align=”center” textcolor=”#ffffff” texthcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#8b0000″ link=”https://clutchpoints.com/report-celtics-bucks-in-talks-for-potential-blockbuster-trade/”]NEXT: Celtics, Bucks in talks for potential blockbuster trade[/button]