Detroit Pistons forward Reggie Bullock has found himself in a bit of trouble from the NBA, and is going to be absent for the start of next season.
It was announced on Friday that Bullock has been suspended for the first five games of the 2017-18 season for a violation of the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. Additionally, Monta Ellis of the Indiana Pacers received the same suspension. Both suspensions will be without pay.
Though no specifics were given by the league, Washington Post NBA writer Tim Bontemps tweeted that they were busted for marijuana usage.
Reggie Bullock and Monta Ellis are given five game suspensions for failing the NBA's anti drug rules. That means for smoking marijuana.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) June 16, 2017
According to the league, their suspensions “will begin with the next NBA regular season game that they are eligible and physically able to play.”
Along with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Bullock is set to become an restricted free-agent on July 1. Both will be free to sign an offer sheet with any team, or re-sign with the Pistons. Should either sign an offer sheet, the Pistons would have the option of matching it. If the Pistons choose not to extend the $3.3 million qualifying offer, he becomes an unrestricted free-agent.
After attending North Carolina, Bullock, 26, was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers, and also played for the Phoenix Suns before coming to Detroit. He suffered from back spasms that forced him to miss the start of the regular season. Later, he tore a meniscus that caused him to miss two months.
In the 31 games he did appear in, he averaged 4.5 points, 15.1 minutes, and 2.1 rebounds.
