Mavericks’ Tarpley Tests Negative

Forward Roy Tarpley of the Dallas Mavericks, a two-time offender of the NBA’s drug policy, tested negative for cocaine and alcohol Monday and will be allowed to rejoin his team for tonight’s game against the Clippers at the Sports Arena.

Tarpley, 25, was suspended for two games after missing a practice in Dallas on Friday. He told team officials that he overslept and then said he was too embarrassed to immediately contact the club. Because he has been hospitalized twice for drug and alcohol use, Tarpley was automatically given a urinalysis within 24 hours of his absence.

Tarpley, who routinely submits to drug testing as part of the league’s drug program, sat out the Mavericks’ home loss Saturday night to Chicago and Monday night’s game against the Lakers.

Said Tarpley, in a prepared statement: “I feel real bad about this. I need to work on being a responsible person. I should have been at practice. I should have called. I paid a price, and now I’m glad it’s over. I said I didn’t take drugs, and I didn’t. I’m excited about getting back with the team.”