BREAKING NEWS: Indiana Pacers GM Chad Buchanan Suspends Head Coach Rick Carlisle After Positive Test for Banned Substance

Indianapolis, IN — July 4, 2025

In a shocking development that has sent ripples across the NBA community, Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan has announced the immediate suspension of Head Coach Rick Carlisle from all team activities. The suspension comes after Carlisle reportedly tested positive for a banned substance under the NBA’s internal personnel conduct policy.

According to team sources who requested anonymity, the positive test occurred during a routine offseason wellness screening mandated by the league. While the exact substance has not yet been officially disclosed, the Pacers organization confirmed the violation and took swift action.

“This is an unfortunate and serious matter. Effective immediately, Rick Carlisle is suspended from all team activities, pending further investigation,” Buchanan said in a brief press conference held at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse this morning. “We are cooperating fully with the NBA and taking the necessary steps to uphold the integrity of our organization.”

Impact on the Team

Carlisle, a veteran coach with a championship pedigree and over two decades of NBA leadership experience, led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2024–25 season. His suspension creates immediate uncertainty for a franchise riding high on recent playoff success and poised to make a deeper push next season.

Assistant Coach Lloyd Pierce is expected to take over interim coaching duties, at least through the upcoming Summer League and into training camp if the suspension is extended.

“We were all blindsided,” said one team staffer. “Coach Carlisle is one of the most disciplined guys we know. If true, this raises questions none of us saw coming.”

NBA Response

The league has not issued a formal statement but is reportedly reviewing the incident in coordination with the NBA Coaches Association. Because coaches are not subject to the same drug testing protocols as players, the discovery of a banned substance has raised concerns about policy enforcement and oversight across coaching and support staff roles.

If the league confirms the violation under its “Conduct Detrimental to the Integrity of the Game” clause, Carlisle could face a longer suspension or mandatory entry into a league-supervised counseling or rehabilitation program.

Carlisle’s Statement

As of this writing, Rick Carlisle has not publicly addressed the suspension. His legal representative issued a short statement:

“Coach Carlisle is cooperating fully and looks forward to resolving this matter swiftly. He maintains his commitment to the Indiana Pacers organization and its fans.”

What’s Next?

The Pacers are scheduled to open their training camp in late September, giving the franchise less than three months to resolve the issue. Speculation about Carlisle’s future and the possible impact on upcoming free agent signings is already heating up.

Fans and analysts alike are waiting for clarity — and answers — about how one of the league’s most respected coaches found himself at the center of a scandal that no one saw coming.

This story is developing. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

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