Zalgiris is close to losing one more player due to extraordinary circumstances. Kaunodiena.lt reports that the team’s captain Dainius Salenga has been suspended by FIBA after a positive doping test result in his urine sample taken on December 23, 2010 after Euroleague game against Khimki. As TalkBasket.net reported, Zalgiris lost Mirza Begic who terminated the contract unilaterally.
Methylhexanamine which is an illegal substance according to WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) rules has been found in Salenga’s A sample. The player has the right to ask the B sample to be tested. The deadline for his decision whether to ask for B sample to be examined is January 10.
At the moment Salenga is banned from playing in all national and international competitions until the final decision is made. Zalgiris has publicly distanced itself from the case stating the club’s medical staff has not given any illegal substances to Salenga. The club also decided not to let Salenga train with the club since the ban was upheld.
The 33-year-old veteran averaged 4.8 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in Euroleague this season.
