NOAH SUSPENSION MAY START SOON
Would start ban Wednesday if he practices today
Joakim Noah could begin his 20-game suspension for failing a drug test as soon as Wednesday, meaning a best-case scenario is he’ll miss 12 games next season, when games actually matter.
Noah, who is recovering from knee surgery, was examined by doctors prior to Monday’s game to determine if he can practice again. If Noah is medically cleared, he can train with the team Tuesday and the league will have to start his suspension a day later when New York hosts the Heat — starting the clock with eight games remaining in this lost season.
Noah was busted with a PED-type drug in his system, specifically Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LGD-4033 — which, according to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, carries “similar properties to anabolic agents.”
Tuesday represents 29 days since Noah
underwent arthroscopic surgery to his left knee, with the Knicks providing an original timeline of 3-4 weeks before a re-evaluation. They’re pushing because of the suspension.
“He’s at about that time where we thought maybe he could come back, so we’ll see,” coach Jeff Hornacek said. “It’s possible.”
If Noah starts his suspension Wednesday, he’ll forfeit over $2.7 million in lost salary. The 32-year-old, a disappointment after signing a $72 million contract over the summer, has not spoken with the media since violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. He only recently started running and hasn’t played in a game since Feb. 6.
“Well, he may not be in great shape,” Hornacek said. “He has been riding the bike and that stuff. When you’re off for four weeks we’re not expecting him to be flying up and down the court. But that’s typical of any player that’s been off after surgery. They’ll come back and practice and they may be slower than normal, but get back to having some activity.” Noah reportedly ingested the offending substance while taking a supplement purchased over the counter. According to the players union — which, it should be noted, works for Noah — the center did not know he consumed a drug that violates NBA rules. Still, he did not appeal the suspension. Carmelo Anthony said he felt badly about the situation, but, like Derrick Rose, doesn’t consume chemical supplements because, “I’m more of a natural, herbal guy.”
“Juice bar guy. Chinese herbs. African herbs. That’s what I’m into,” Anthony said. “If you look at the banned substance list, the list goes on. There’s things in there where you have no clue what they are. So it makes it harder. And when you’re looking at something, you have to have the list there. But I think there’s proper protocols that you go through. For me, I stay away from the pills and the supplements and things like that. I’m kind of a natural guy.”
Hornacek indicated that it’s on the players to police themselves regarding supplements purchased on their own time. The team provides approved pills.
“I think they want to do something on the side, some sort of supplement, I think they check with our trainers and the trainers analyze it and take a look at it. But again, sometimes you can’t control these guys,” Hornacek said. “If they’re taking other supplements that they got at the store, it’s got to be on them a little bit to make sure it’s okay.”