Milwaukee Bucks star Larry Sanders has been suspended without pay for a minimum of 10 games after violating the NBA's anti-drug program.

The suspension by the league will begin on Monday when the Bucks host the Toronto Raptors and it will continue to run until he is in full compliance with his treatment program.

It is the second suspension in less than a year that the 26-year-old has received after he missed the final five games of last season having been penalised for using marijuana.

Sanders missed 27 games last season with a fracture near his eye, while he was also sidelined for a further 25 games last season after surgery on his right thumb following a bar fight.

The Bucks released a statement in which they stated that they were disappointed about the suspension but they insisted that they would ensure Sanders would receive the support that he needs.