Dallas Mavericks officials say forward Roy Tarpley's disappearance may have violated terms of a drug after-care program and he faces potential disciplinary action, including possible suspension and fines.
Tarpley, who was set to play in Sunday night's exhibition game against the Indiana Pacers in Fort Worth, will soon be given a drug test. He faces suspension if results are positive for cocaine or heroin, National Basketball Association officials said Saturday."The NBA determines what is a slip and what is a major problem," said Mavs General Manager Norm Sonju. "To the best of my knowledge, the NBA was satisfied that while it (Tarpley's absence) was not a good thing, it was not fatal, either. Of course, if they decide to hang him by his thumbs, that's their right."
Dr. David Lewis, head of the league's Adult Substance Abuse Program, or one of his assistants is expected this week to further evaluate Tarpley.