Montrezl Harrell has been handed a three month suspension by China Anti-Doping Agency ruling — a decision that finally ends the drug saga of the former Adelaide 36ers star and rules out a return to the NBL this season.
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It took eight months, but Harrell has finally learned his suspension for testing positive for carboxy-THC. Carboxy-THC is found in cannabis.
Mick Randall from CODE Sports reported the ban prevents Harrell from participating in any professional league that operators under the World Anti-Doping Agency Code — meaning his hopes for an NBL26 return have been dashed.
On April 15th, Harrell and another player, Troy Gollenwater, were subjected to random mandatory drug tests handed out by the league’s Anti-Doping Center. Harrell had signed with Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Leagu several weeks prior.
The uncertainty led to the Adelaide 36ers parting ways with the star import.
The NBL season will still be underway when Harrell’s ban comes to an end, however the league requires a player to play seven games to qualify for finals. His ban started on November 5 and will end on February 4.
Just several days into his three-month ban, Harrell took to X to express his desire to return to the NBL.
Fox Sports Australia has reached out to Montrezl Harrel’s agent, Darrell Comer for comments.
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