In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves through the NBA world, Oklahoma City Thunder star and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been temporarily banned from all basketball-related activities after testing positive for an undisclosed performance-enhancing substance, league officials confirmed late Monday afternoon.
The NBA released a brief statement:
“Following standard protocol, the league has placed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on administrative leave pending further investigation. While confidentiality laws prevent us from disclosing the exact substance at this time, we are taking this matter seriously and in accordance with the NBA’s Anti-Drug Policy.”
The substance in question, which insiders claim is not a typical PED, is currently undergoing secondary testing. According to early reports, the substance may have been part of a supplemental recovery regimen used during SGA’s offseason training in Europe.
Sources close to the situation say that Gilgeous-Alexander was “blindsided” by the results and has retained legal counsel. A formal appeal is expected within the next 72 hours.
Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault addressed the media following the team’s practice:
“We’re all shocked. Shai’s character and discipline are beyond reproach. We fully support him and hope for a swift resolution. Until then, the team is focused on controlling what we can.”
Social media exploded within minutes of the announcement, with fans and analysts debating the legitimacy and timing of the ban. The Thunder had been widely considered title contenders heading into the 2025–26 season, riding high on the MVP campaign of Gilgeous-Alexander and a core of rising stars.
If the ban is upheld, SGA could face a 25-game suspension under the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement, which would be a crushing blow to both the player’s momentum and the Thunder’s championship hopes.
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