Basketball New Zealand

Otago Nuggets players Nat Connell and Steven Robinson have been provisionally suspended by the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand pending the outcome of an allegation that they have committed anti-doping rule violations.

Both players were tested after the Nuggets’ home game against the Taranaki Dynamos on March 28 and their “A” samples tested positive for cannabis. They have been stood down on request from Basketball New Zealand until the tribunal meets to hear their cases.

The timing of the hearings will depend on whether Connell and Robinson choose to have their “B” samples tested or waive that right. Basketball New Zealand has no comment until after those hearings.

Otago are due to host the Harbour Heat on Saturday.