Bucks center Larry Sanders has had a long season of injury and off-court issues.(Photo: Nelson Chenault, USA TODAY Sports)



NEW YORK (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders will be suspended without pay for five games when he returns from injury for violating the NBA’s drug policy.


Sanders said in a team release Friday that he was penalized for using marijuana, his latest setback since signing a four-year extension worth about $44 million in the offseason.


“Larry Sanders has a responsibility to every person in our organization and our fans,” the team said. “We are all disappointed by the news of his suspension.”.


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Sanders apologized to the team and fans.


“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said.


The 6-foot-11 Sanders is out for the season. He was injured Feb. 8 when Houston’s James Harden elbowed him in the eye while the two were going for a rebound. He had surgery for a fractured right orbital bone.


Sanders also missed nearly two months earlier this season after tearing a ligament in his right thumb during a fight at a Milwaukee nightclub. He averaged 7.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 23 games.


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