Tarpley Is Suspended After Missing Practice

Forward Roy Tarpley of the Dallas Mavericks was suspended indefinitely without pay for missing practice and his daily aftercare visit Friday morning.

Maverick special assignment coach Clifford Ray found Tarpley at his home late Friday afternoon. Tarpley, who has two “strikes” for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, must take a drug test because of the absence.

If Tarpley fails the test, or if he refuses to take it within 24 hours of the infraction, he could be assessed a “third strike” for drug violations, resulting in a lifetime suspension from the NBA with an opportunity to apply for reinstatement after two years.

Tarpley admitted in October 1987 he was seeking counseling for alcohol and cocaine problems, constituting his first strike under the NBA’s anti-drug policy. The second strike came in January of 1989, when he told drug counselors that he needed help to control his drug problem. He was suspended without pay and went to the ASAP center in Van Nuys. He returned March 16, 1989.

He was suspended on Nov. 16 after he was arrested for drunk driving. He returned Jan. 22 after missing 34 games and losing $240,000 in salary.