Charlotte's Jefferson banned five games for drug violation

New York, Wednesday: Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson, sidelined another week or two by a left calf strain, was issued a five-game suspension by the NBA on Wednesday for vioalting terms of its Anti-Drug Program.

No details were given about the nature of the violation or the medication involved, a typical move under US medical privacy laws.

Jefferson, who was hurt in the first quarter of a November 29 game against Milwaukee, will miss the first five games for which he is eligible and physically able to play.