The Memphis Grizzlies' O.J. Mayo has been suspended by the NBA for 10 games following a positive test for the DEHA, a performance-enhancing drug that is banned by the league.

NBA followers should remember that Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis was suspended prior to the start of the 2009-10 season for the same violation. DEHA is considered a lower-grade testosterone, is legal in the United States, and be purchased over the counter through certain nurtional supplement stores and suppliers.The NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA, and Olympics list DEHA as a banned substance. Curiously, MLB, which has easily the most draconian performance enhancing drug policy, lists 58 steroids as prohibited, but DEHA is not one of them.

Mayo is currently in the midst of his worst statistical season of his three years in the league averaging only 12.2 points per game and shooting only 40.8 percent from the field. As a result he has been coming off the bench for the Grizzlies but has struggled in that respect as well.

Earlier this season, Mayo was involved in an altercation with teammate Tony Allen during a team flight that is believed to have stemmed from a disagreement over a card game.

Mayo has been the subject of trade rumors or season, but as of now, the team has not publically announced any intention to trade him. Whether or not this latest incident will hasten Mayo's exit from the Grizzlies will have to wait to be seen in February. Mayo's suspension will keep him out of commission until a Feb. 15 game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the earliest.

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