Knicks Joakim Noah Receives 20-Game Suspension For Violating Anti-Drug Policy

New York Knicks center Joakim Noah will be sitting out 20 games after he tested positive for a banned supplement, thus violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.

Reportedly the 32-year-old Knicks star tested positive for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARMs) LGD-4033, an over-the-counter supplement that is banned under the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement. LGD-4033 is described as a potent, non-steroidal bodybuilding supplement. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency says SARMs has “similar properties to anabolic agents, but … the lack of steroid-related side effects.” The World Anti-Doping Agency has the supplement has placed SARMs on their prohibited at-all-times list.

Noah has not played since February 4 and was already likely to miss the Knicks’ next 10 games due to a knee injury. His 20-game suspension will not be enforced until he is officially eligible to play in a regular season or playoff game and will carry into the 2017-18 season.