Detroit Pistons star Lindsey Hunter received a 10-game suspension from the NBS after testing positive for phentermine, a drug that is used to lose weight. 

NBA has listed Phentermine as a performance-enhancing drug in its anti-drug rules and any player testing positive for it will be awarded an automatic 10-match ban without pay. Hunter's mistake will hand him a loss of over $202,000.

Hunter accepted his ban saying that it was a stupid mistake and the drug probably came from a diet tablet that he had been given by his wife. "I’m as shocked as anyone. It was a diet pill, we’ve all taken stuff and nothing ever happens. We do that at our house, if I’ve got a head cold, I might grab one of her pills. It was just a bonehead mistake on my part", he said.

"It’s the league rule, and I have to abide by it. I just hope people don’t think I’m out smoking marijuana", he added.

Meanwhile Kobe Bryant of LA Lakers was once again handed a one-match ban for hitting Marko Jaric of Minnesota Timberwolves in the face. The incident occurred during Timberwolves' 117-107 victory on Tuesday night when Bryant flailed his arms and in the process catching Jaric in the face.