Memphis Grizzlies Guard O.J. Mayo Claims Energy Drink Caused Positive Drug Test

After being suspended 10 games by the NBA on Thursday for violating the league's drug policy, O.J. Mayo announced that he believes the positive drug results were due to an energy drink which he purchased at a gas station.

Mayo tested positive for the drug dehydroepiandrosterone, which is one of the banned performance-enhancing drugs by the NBA.  Before Memphis' game against the Wizards on Saturday, Mayo gave his side of the story to reporters, saying, "I didn't know it had any bad substances in it, and it caused a 10-game suspension.  It's not like I went to a GNC and got some Muscle Armor or ordered some supplement off the Internet or anything.  It was just a local gas station that kind of got me hemmed up."

O.J. Mayo was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft with the third overall pick, possessing raw talent and a promising future.  Mayo still has the potential to be great some day, but has lately been struggling on and off the court, which has resulted in the loss of his starting position.

With a 10 game suspension, Mayo will now have some time to improve his game and attempt to reclaim his starting spot.  Mayo went on to tell reporters, "There are just so many substances that are considered banned substances because in some way it could help your performance on the court.  As athletes, we should be responsible for what we put in our bodies.  I understand that. Guys have to rally up without me, and they're doing a great job.   We're 2-0 when I don't play.  So, if we can get wins when I don't, I won't mind a way."

But, Mayo should mind, unless he has the desire to be traded.  This is because if the Grizzlies can continue to win without Mayo, than why would they keep him around since he would have a rather high trade value when bargaining with certain teams, especially with the trade deadline quickly approaching.  Mayo has a bright future ahead of him, with great potential, but must get on the right track first before he can be great.