New Orleans Pelicans forward DiDi Louzada has been suspended without pay for 25 games by the NBA for violating the league's anti-drug policy. The 22-year-old tested positive for two banned substances and will begin his suspension tonight, the league announced.
The following has been announced by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/YGzQgOFfRw
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 19, 2021
According to a statement from Louzada that was published by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Louzada took the banned substances because of advice he received from a nutritionist and is taking full responsibility for his actions.
“When I was in Brazil during the offseason, I consulted a nutritionist who recommended I take some vitamins and supplements,” Louzada said in the statement. “Because she has a history of working with professional athletes, I would never have imagined that any of those substances would be banned or could be contaminated. Once I learned of the positive test, I immediately cooperated completely with the league and union to help all of us understand what exactly occurred.
“I would never knowingly take anything that violates NBA rules. I accept my responsibility in this situation. I deeply regret that this happened and I apologize to my team, my teammates, and Pelicans fans for this mistake.”
Louzada, the 35th pick in the 2019 draft, stayed overseas for a year and debuted last season, playing in just three games and scoring a total of eight points. He has played in just two games, scoring zero points.
Although his absence doesn't greatly hamper the Pelicans, it provides another unfortunate note for a disappointing season. Having franchise star Zion Williamson return from injury is the first necessary step to correcting the course.
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