Al Jefferson 5-Game Suspension

© Provided by Associated Press

Hornets C Jefferson suspended by NBA for 5 games - The NBA has announced that Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson has been suspended without pay for five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

The Hornets released a statement Wednesday saying they're ''disappointed in Al's decisions that led to this suspension'' and the organization ''does not condone this behavior.''

The team says it has addressed the situation with Jefferson and he's ''regretful and understands that we expect him to learn from this mistake.''

Jefferson released a statement through the team apologizing for ''the poor decision that I made.''

Jefferson says, ''I am truly sorry, and I am committed to making smarter decisions in the future.''

Jefferson is currently out with a strained left calf. He will begin to serving the suspension once he's physically cleared to play.