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.
News
‘You’re a disgrace’: JK Rowling speaks out over Olympics boxing controversy
Author JK Rowling has slammed the Head of the Safe Sport Unit at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday. Rowling responded to a video posted by IOC Media where Kirsty Burrows discussed how the 2024 Paris Olympics is tackling…
Liam Payne ‘started swearing after receiving upsetting email’ before tragic death
Liam Payne allegedly was agitated and frustrated before his laptop smashed to the floor in the hotel lobby area. Liam Payne ‘started swearing after receiving upsetting email’ minutes before plunging to death aged 31 (Image: Getty) Following the death of Liam Payne a…
From the field to the stage: Former soccer star turned Ed Sheeran tribute artist surprises fans!
From a Premier League club to performing Ed Sheeran’s best hits – one footballer embarked on a wild career change after hanging up his boots. The former goalkeeper carved out a career performing as an Ed Sheeran tribute act. (Image: Instagram…
SHOCKING: Lil Pump criticizes Eminem and daughter Hailie in a rant on Instagram Live.
The rapper, known for his strong support of Trump, targets Eminem and his daughter Hailie in Instagram Live outburst. Rapper Lil Pump, known for his viral hit ‘Gucci Gang,’ has recently shifted from making music headlines to stirring controversy through…
Eminem Continues to Tease Slim Shady’s Demise In Cryptic ‘For My Last Trick!’ Post
Eminem Continues to Tease Slim Shady’s Demise In Cryptic ‘For My Last Trick!’ Post© Provided by Billboard Eminem is gearing up for… something. The Detroit don continued to tease his next phase on Monday (May 20) in a cryptic post that suggested…
‘Not as a celebrity, I’m here as a…’: After Eminem and Billie Eilish, Beyonce endorses Kamala Harris
Urging Kamala Harris supporters to vote, Beyonce said, ‘Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations’ After Eminem in Detroit, it was Beyonce’s turn to endorse Kamala Harris in Houston, the singer’s hometown. She said…
End of content
No more pages to load