Arizona basketball star Allonzo Trier hasn’t played the entire season while the program has kept quiet about his status. Now we know why: Trier failed a PED test and can’t return until the drug is entirely out of his system, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman.
Arizona star Allonzo Trier reportedly failed PED test, can’t return until it’s out of his system entirely
Now we know why Trier hasn’t played this season.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Goodman reports that the “level has decreased” and Trier could possibly return this season if the drug completely gets out of his system.
Statement from Allonzo Trier: “Earlier this season, I was notified that I tested positive for a trace amount of a banned performance-enhancing drug following an NCAA random test and I was shocked. I have never knowingly taken a banned substance. After finding out that I was given a banned substance by a well-intentioned, but misguided person not associated with the University after an injury, I presented this information to the NCAA. The NCAA agreed that I had no knowledge of receiving the substance and my eligibility was restored. Although I can practice and travel with the team, I am not allowed to resume playing in games until the substance completely leaves my body even at a trace amount. Unfortunately, I am unsure of when that time will be, but I hope it is soon. I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, my attorney and the athletics department for their support during this difficult time. I will not have any further comment at this time. In addition, I have asked the athletics department to respect my privacy by not answering any questions or releasing any information beyond this statement.”
This has been a season-long saga for the Wildcats that started when Trier was mysteriously pulled out of media day. Rumors started to circulate when Trier didn’t suit up for the team’s preseason scrimmage, but still sat on the bench. He’s remained on Arizona’s bench throughout the season, but coach Sean Miller never gave clarity to the situation.
Now we know this was a student-confidentiality issue that prevented the program from revealing the reason for his absence.
Trier, a former five-star recruit, was thought to be Arizona’s best player heading into the season after averaging 14.8 points as a freshman. Arizona is off to an impressive 16-2 start despite a tidal wave of adversity that also included the surprise retirement of former five-star recruit Ray Smith after he tore his ACL for the third time. Miller can thank the contributions of freshmen Lauri Markkanen, Rawle Alkins, and Kobi Simmons for his team’s steady play.
Arizona is off to an unbeaten start in the Pac-12 and has won 10 straight overall, but the Wildcats will be tested this week with games against USC and No. 3 UCLA.
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