Basketball New Zealand

Manawatu Jets guard Stacey Lambert (ImageSport NZ)

Basketball New Zealand has accepted a Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decision to suspend Manawatu Jet Stacey Lambert until September 16 after he tested positive for cannabis.

Lambert returned a positive sample after the Jets round 13 National Basketball League game against the Bay Hawks in Taradale on May 21. He waived the right to have his B sample analysed and admitted the violation in the Tribunal hearing on July 11.

BBNZ had sought a provisional suspension on June 6 until the hearing was held but after the Jets offered to stand him down for their final regular season game the following night and the Tribunal decided not to impose a provisional suspension.

The Tribunal suspended Lambert for two months, which prevents him having any part – playing, coaching, refereeing, administrating – in basketball organised, authorised or sanctioned by BBNZ or any other sport under the Drug Free Sport umbrella.

“As any sports organisation would be, we are concerned with positive tests,” Basketball New Zealand CEO Dale Stephens said.

“We continue to work with Drug Free Sport to enhance our education for all participants in basketball and remain totally committed to the policies of Drug Free Sport.”