NBA team Charlotte Hornets centre Al Jefferson was banned for five games for violating the Anti-Drug Programme.
Jefferson, who has been sidelined another week or two by a left calf strain, will miss the first five games for which he is eligible and physically able to play, Xinhua news agency reported.
No details were given about the nature of the violation or the medication involved.
"We are disappointed in Al's decisions that led to this suspension," the Hornets said in a statement after the announcement on Wednesday.
"As an organisation, we do not condone this. We have addressed this with Al. He is regretful and understands that we expect him to learn from this mistake."