Monta Ellis has been hit with a five game suspension without pay for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.
“Monta’s suspension is a very serious matter to our franchise and will be dealt with accordingly,” Indiana Pacers GM and President of Basketball Operations, Kevin Pritchard said in a statement.
The former face of the Warriors franchise just completed the second year of a 4-year, $44 million dollar contact with the Pacers, where he averaged 8.5 points-per-game, well below his career average of 17.8 points-per-game.
Ellis was part of a 2012 trade that sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks along with Kwame Brown and Ekpe Udoh in exchange for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.
The shooting guard’s suspension will begin at the start of next season, or the first game that he is eligible and physically able to play.