Bush Suspended
Tagged in: NBL
Bay Hawks veteran Clifton Bush has been suspended for two months by the Sports Tribunal of NZ for committing an anti-doping violation involving cannabis.
Bush (34) tested positive for cannabis after the Hawks’ NBL semifinal win over Harbour Heat on June 24. Cannabis is a prohibited substance under the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
He admitted the violation and explained he had used cannabis when feeling depressed on the anniversary of his father’s death. The tribunal accepted that Bush did not use cannabis with the intention of enhancing his sports performance.
Bush stated he has subsequently retired from competitive basketball. Notwithstanding his retirement, the tribunal considered it appropriate in the circumstances to impose a suspension on Bush from competing in any events and competitions conducted by Basketball New Zealand for a period of two months.
Such a sanction will give other basketballers notice of the tribunal’s position in such matters.
