List of people banned or suspended by the NBA


Under Article 24 of the National Basketball Association Constitution, the NBA commissioner has the power to hand down disciplinary actions on players for on-court incidents, conduct that does not conform to standards of fair play, conduct that does not comply with federal or state laws, and conduct that is detrimental to the game of basketball or the league. As defined by the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA, any party can appeal to an arbitrator if a suspension is longer than 12 games or a fine is more than $50,000. If an appeal is filed, the arbitrator would have the power to either uphold or reject the decisions made by the commissioner. If the incident is serious enough, such as point shaving or substance abuse, players can be permanently banned from playing, although players banned for substance abuse are permitted to be reinstated two years later under the anti-drug agreement between the league and the NBPA.
In the league's early years, a handful of players were banned permanently because of their involvement with point shaving in college, although Connie Hawkins was able to overturn the ban through litigation. Several more were banned permanently for abusing banned substances and they usually never returned, though some such as Micheal Ray Richardson and Chris Andersen were able to return to play after the ban. Among those suspended, Metta Sandiford-Artest and Latrell Sprewell faced the most serious punishments for on-court altercations; they were suspended 86 and 68 games, respectively. Gilbert Arenas was also suspended for more than half of a regular season's games for bringing firearms into an arena and drawing them in a dispute with teammate Javaris Crittenton.

Permanently banned

Permanently banned but later reinstated

Most cases where a player has been banned from the NBA but later reinstated are a result of the league's 1983 anti-drug policy. The policy, developed jointly between the NBA and the players' association, made a third illegal drug use offense punishable by a ban, although a player could apply for reinstatement after a minimum of two years.
NameTeamYearSeasonReason
—1966—During his freshman year in college, Hawkins was linked to a point shaving scandal. As a result of this connection, he was informally banned from the NBA in 1961, and formally banned in 1966. Hawkins filed an anti-trust lawsuit against the NBA, claiming that he was unfairly banned from participation when there was no substantial evidence linking him to the scandal. In 1969, the NBA settled the suit with Hawkins, paying him a cash settlement and lifting his ban to play with the Phoenix Suns.
New Jersey Nets1986In February 1986, Richardson was banned permanently for repeatedly violating the NBA's substance abuse policy. He was reinstated two years later in July 1988, although he never played in the NBA, on his own accord.
Houston Rockets1987On January 13, 1987, Lloyd and teammate Mitchell Wiggins were banned permanently after testing positive for cocaine, a banned substance. Lloyd was reinstated on September 8, 1989.
Houston Rockets1987On January 13, 1987, Wiggins and teammate Lewis Lloyd were banned permanently after testing positive for cocaine, a banned substance. Wiggins was reinstated on July 28, 1989.
New Jersey Nets1988In October 1988, Washington was banned permanently after testing positive for cocaine, a banned substance. He was later reinstated, and played briefly for the Clippers in the.
Philadelphia 76ers1999On November 25, 1999, Roberts was banned permanently after testing positive for a banned substance. He was reinstated three years later with a brief stint with the Toronto Raptors in 2003.
New Orleans Hornets2006On January 25, 2006, Andersen was banned permanently for violating the NBA's substance abuse policy. He subsequently filed a grievance against the NBA, but an arbitrator denied his request in March 2006. He was reinstated two years later with the New Orleans Hornets on March 4, 2008.

Suspended

Only suspensions lasting six games or more are included.
LengthNameTeamYearSeasonReason

Indiana Pacers2004On November 19, 2004, Artest entered the stands and grabbed a fan after a drink was thrown at him during an NBA game against the Detroit Pistons, causing a large brawl between players and fans. After Artest left the stands, he punched another fan that came onto the court to confront him.
1 year
Golden State Warriors2019On June 6, 2019, Stevens, a minority owner of the Golden State Warriors, pushed Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry during Game 3 of the NBA playoffs. He was suspended for one year from all NBA games and arenas as well as fined a half a million dollars for the incident.
Golden State Warriors1997On December 1, 1997, Sprewell choked, threatened, and punched Warriors head coach P. J. Carlesimo during team practice after Carlesimo criticized his passing. He was immediately suspended ten games; however, the Warriors terminated Sprewell's $23.7 million contract two days later, and he was subsequently suspended for a year. Upon appeal, his original contract termination was overturned and his 82-game suspension was reduced to 68 games.
Washington Wizards2010On January 27, 2010, Arenas was suspended for violating NBA rules and Washington, D.C. laws by storing an unloaded firearm in his locker and drawing it on teammate Javaris Crittenton during an argument regarding gambling debts in December 2009. Arenas was already on indefinite suspension since January 6 while under investigation for carrying and storing unlicensed firearms.
Washington Wizards2010On January 27, 2010, Crittenton was suspended for violating NBA rules and Washington, D.C. laws by storing an unloaded firearm in his locker and drawing it on teammate Gilbert Arenas during an argument regarding gambling debts in December 2009. He would be waived from the team after that season and never play another NBA game afterwards.
Indiana Pacers2004On November 19, 2004, Jackson entered the stands and punched a fan after a drink was thrown at teammate Ron Artest during an NBA game against the Detroit Pistons.
Los Angeles Lakers1977On December 9, 1977, Washington punched Houston Rockets player Rudy Tomjanovich in the face during a fight in an NBA game. Tomjanovich was seriously injured and missed the rest of the season, but later made a full recovery.
Washington Wizards2018
On April 4, 2018, Meeks was suspended after testing positive for Ipamorelin and GHRP-2. Meeks missed all of the playoffs and the start of the 2018–19 season.
Brooklyn Nets2019On August 29, 2019, Chandler was suspended by the NBA for 25 games for use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Phoenix Suns2019On October 24, 2019, Ayton was suspended for 25 games after testing positive for a diuretic.
Atlanta Hawks2019On November 5, 2019, Collins was suspended for 25 games after testing positive for pralmorelin.
Charlotte Hornets2014On November 29, 2014, Taylor was suspended after pleading guilty to one count of domestic assault and malicious destruction of property.
Hedo TürkoğluOrlando Magic20132012–13On February 13, 2013, Türkoğlu was suspended after testing positive for methenolone, a banned substance.
Memphis Grizzlies2014On April 18, 2014, Calathes was suspended after testing positive for tamoxifen, a banned substance. As a result, Calathes would miss the Grizzlies' entire playoff run that year, with the rest of the suspension being revoked after it was appealed.
New York Knicks2017
On March 24, 2017, Noah was suspended after testing positive for ligandrol, a banned substance. Noah was suspended for the last 10 games of the Knicks' 2016–17 regular season, and also for the first 10 games of the 2017–18 season.
Indiana Pacers2004On November 19, 2004, O'Neal punched a fan who came onto the court to confront teammate Ron Artest during an NBA game against the Detroit Pistons. Upon appeal, his original 25-game suspension was reduced to 15 games.
Denver Nuggets2006On December 16, 2006, Anthony punched New York Knicks player Mardy Collins in the face during a brawl in an NBA game.
Oklahoma City Thunder2016On July 8, 2016, McGary was suspended for five games for violating the NBA's drug policy. However, on September 13 that same year, McGary was suspended an additional 10 games for non-compliance with the league's drug policy, thus bringing the number of regular season games he was suspended for to 15. On October 24, McGary was waived by the Thunder before the season started. If McGary signs up with an NBA team again, he will still serve his suspension in the regular season before returning to play.
Chicago Bulls1997On January 15, 1997, Rodman kicked a courtside cameraman in the groin after tripping over him during an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Though he was not assessed a technical foul at the time, he was suspended two days later.
Houston Rockets1995On February 6, 1995, Maxwell entered the stands and punched a fan who he claimed was heckling him during an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Denver Nuggets2006On December 16, 2006, Smith fought with New York Knicks player Nate Robinson during a brawl in an NBA game.
New York Knicks2006On December 16, 2006, Robinson fought with Denver Nuggets player J. R. Smith during a brawl in an NBA game.
Detroit Pistons2007On March 7, 2007, Hunter was suspended after testing positive for phentermine, a banned substance.
Boston Celtics2008On September 20, 2008, Miles was suspended after testing positive for phentermine, a banned substance.
Orlando Magic2009On August 6, 2009, Lewis was suspended after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone, a banned substance.
Boston Celtics2010On August 20, 2010, West was suspended after pleading guilty to weapon charges from September 2009.
Memphis Grizzlies2011On January 27, 2011, Mayo was suspended after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone, a banned substance.
Larry SandersMilwaukee Bucks20152014–15On January 16, 2015, Sanders was suspended after testing positive for marijuana, a banned substance, for the second time. After Sanders' suspension ended, the Bucks bought him out before he played another game.
Dion WaitersMiami Heat20192019On November 8th, 2019, Waiters missed a game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a panic attack he experience while flying to the game. His panic attack stemmed from over-consumption of THC-infused edibles. Two days later, the Heat suspended Waiters for 10 games, including the previous game he missed, for the consumed edible.
Sacramento Kings2004On February 17, 2004, Webber was suspended five games for violating the NBA's drug policy and suspended three games for pleading guilty to lying to a grand jury about making an illegal loan when he was a college basketball player for University of Michigan. He served both suspensions together.
Sacramento Kings2016On October 2, 2016, Collison was suspended after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor domestic battery charge against his wife in May.
Chicago Bulls2017On October 17, 2017, Portis punched teammate Nikola Mirotić in the face during an altercation in team practice. Mirotić suffered a concussion and facial fractures, which left him out until December 8, 2017. A day after the incident, Portis was suspended for the first eight games of the 2017–18 season.
Los Angeles Lakers1996On April 10, 1996, Van Exel shoved referee Ron Garretson onto the scorer's table after Garretson ejected him for arguing a call during an NBA game against the Denver Nuggets.
Portland Trail Blazers2003On January 15, 2003, Wallace confronted and threatened referee Tim Donaghy in the parking lot outside of the Rose Garden after Donaghy had given him a technical foul earlier during an NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Sacramento Kings2007On July 15, 2007, Artest was suspended after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge against his wife in May.
Golden State Warriors2007On July 15, 2007, Jackson was suspended after pleading guilty to a felony charge of criminal recklessness for firing a gun outside of an Indiana strip club during an altercation in October 2006.
Denver Nuggets2009On August 28, 2009, Smith was suspended after pleading guilty to a reckless driving charge for a 2007 traffic collision that resulted in the death of a passenger. He was already suspended two games right after the crash.

Los Angeles Lakers2012On April 24, 2012, World Peace elbowed Oklahoma City Thunder player James Harden in the head during an NBA game.
Chicago Bulls1996On March 18, 1996, Rodman headbutted referee Ted Bernhardt after being ejected during an NBA game against the New Jersey Nets.
Houston Rockets2003On November 8, 2003, Taylor violated the NBA's drug policy. Upon appeal, his original 10-game suspension was reduced to six games.
Detroit Pistons2004On November 19, 2004, Wallace shoved Indiana Pacers player Ron Artest after a hard foul during an NBA game, leading to a large brawl between players and fans.
Dallas Mavericks2006On June 2, 2006, Mbenga entered the stands to aid the wife of head coach Avery Johnson, who was in a confrontation with two fans.
New York Knicks2006On December 16, 2006, Collins flagrantly fouled Denver Nuggets player J. R. Smith and tried to attack Nuggets player Carmelo Anthony during a brawl in an NBA game.
Detroit Pistons2017On February 6, 2017, Reed was suspended following a domestic violence incident against his wife on August 5 of the previous year when he played for the Los Angeles Clippers. After missing the first game a day later against the Brooklyn Nets, the Pistons traded him and future second-round draft picks to the Chicago Bulls for Jameer Nelson on February 8. He was immediately waived by the Bulls. If Reed signs up with an NBA team again, he will still serve his suspension in the regular season before returning to play.
Miami Heat2019On December 10, 2019, Waiters called in to work sick before posting a picture of himself on a boat celebrating his 28th birthday on his Instagram page. The Heat announced his suspension two days later.