Tarpley Gets NBA Lifetime Ban; Robinson Signs Deal of Lifetime

Dallas Maverick center Roy Tarpley, already banned once by the NBA for cocaine use, was thrown out of the league again Wednesday for using alcohol.

By violating the terms of his aftercare agreement, the contract that was to pay him $23 million over the next five seasons was nullified.

Tarpley, 31, began the season on the suspended list because of a pancreatic ailment that bothered him throughout the summer. He had been put on the injured list and was working out recently.

However, he tested positive for alcohol use three times, most recently last week, the NBA said in New York.

“Roy was given every opportunity to succeed,” Maverick President and General Manager Norm Sonju said. “It truly is a sad end for an immensely talented athlete who had an incredible opportunity to once again become productive in the NBA.”

Sonju said owner Donald Carter indicated that Tarpley had blown his last chance with the Mavericks. Tarpley could apply to the NBA and the players’ association for reinstatement.

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All-Star center David Robinson has signed a new multiyear contract that could keep him with the San Antonio Spurs the rest of his NBA career.

Details were not disclosed.

Robinson had two years remaining on a 10-year deal that reportedly would have paid him at least $7.3 million this season.

Robinson, the league’s most valuable player last season, is in his seventh NBA season. Crucial to Robinson’s decision to agree to the career-long contract was the Spur owners’ commitment in trying to keep the team in San Antonio.