Joakim Noah (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Former Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah reflects on his NBA career, but one aspect he definitely doesn’t miss is the drug testing process. The NBA tests players for drugs randomly, and Noah talked about how this process works.

He mentioned that he had been suspended after failing a drug test during his career. Noah explained the league’s drug policy and how the random tests happen, giving insight into a part of professional sports that many people don’t think about.

On a recent episode of the “All The Smoke” podcast, hosted by Matt Barnes, Joakim Noah opened up about the oddities of the league’s drug testing protocol. He said, “You get p*ss tested all the time, with a guy watching you to make sure it’s really you peeing,” Noah explained, humorously dubbing these observers “d**k watchers.”

He also expressed that it was an uncomfortable experience, saying, “It doesn’t get worse than that honestly. That’s one thing I don’t wish that on any man.” Barnes chimed in, joking that the testers seemed to enjoy watching him, which added to the bizarre nature of the tests. Given that athletes have attempted to game the system in various sports, the testers have to be particularly vigilant.

Both Noah and Barnes have personal experiences with the NBA’s drug testing. Barnes himself faced two suspensions—once in 2007 with the Golden State Warriors and again in 2014 with the Los Angeles Clippers—both for marijuana use. Fortunately for him, he avoided a third strike, which would have led to more severe consequences.

Joakim Noah’s Determination Amid Setbacks And Suspension

Noah’s troubles came in March 2017 when he tested positive for LGD-4033, a substance banned under the league’s collective bargaining agreement. This led to a 20-game suspension, a penalty that took effect once he was eligible to return from an injury. At the time, he was recovering from a torn rotator cuff, which ultimately required surgery.

Despite his struggles that season, Noah’s career remains noteworthy. After missing much of the 2016-17 season, he briefly returned to the court on November 27, 2017, in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing two points, one rebound, and one block in just under three minutes of play. Unfortunately, he only participated in seven games that year, averaging 1.7 points and 2.0 rebounds.

Despite the challenges, Joakim Noah continued his career and eventually signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in December 2018 after the Knicks released him following unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a buyout. Noah retired in 2021 with impressive career averages of 8.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.