Report: Bucks C Larry Sanders determined to stop using marijuana

Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders plans to end his marijuana use in the hopes of continuing his NBA career, reports Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. Sanders

Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders plans to end his marijuana use in the hopes of continuing his NBA career, reports Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

Sanders was suspended on Friday for a minimum of 10 games for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. According to Wojnarowki, Sanders plans to use his time away from basketball to deal with his personal issues and learn to live without using marijuana.

The 26-year-old's suspension begins with Monday's game against the Toronto Raptors and won't end until "he is in full compliance with his treatment program," according to the NBA's release about the suspension.

Sanders was also suspended five games last April for violating the league's drug policy, at which time he defended his use of marijuana and the substance's medical benefits. The positive test that resulted in that suspension was the third of Sanders' career.

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Before incurring the 10-game suspension, Sanders hadn't appeared for the Bucks since Dec. 23, with the team saying he was out for personal reasons. A rumor surfaced that Sanders told team officials he didn't want to play anymore, though he rejoined the team for its Jan. 6 loss to the Phoenix Suns and watched from the bench in street clothes.

Sanders signed a four-year, $44 million contract extension in 2013. Wojnarowski reported the Bucks could seek a buyout with the center.

Sanders has averaged 7.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 27 games this season.

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The Bucks are 21-19 this season and currently hold the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

- Ben Estes