The Indiana Pacers did not know center David Harrison failed two previous drug tests until they learned he was suspended five games for violating the league's drug program last Friday while they were preparing for practice in Phoenix. As part of the collective bargaining agreement, teams are not notified about a failed drug test until a player is suspended.

"What it means is that we're not in the position to know that part of a player because we're not involved in it," Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh said. "So it's all guesswork on the part of the franchise if a player has an issue with alcohol or drugs or something like that until you get to the third level."

Team officials, in particular Walsh and president Larry Bird, plan to encourage Harrison to seek all the necessary help needed to get over the latest obstacle in what has been a disappointing career for the fourth-year center.

Harrison said in a phone interview last weekend that he knows he needs to grow up because, if not, his chances of remaining in the NBA could be running out.

Via Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers

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