Texas Tech Suspends Forward JT Toppin Indefinitely After Positive Drug Test
Texas Tech Suspends Forward JT Toppin Indefinitely After Positive Drug Test
Texas Tech University’s men’s basketball program has suspended forward JT Toppin indefinitely following a positive result in a recent drug test. The university announced the suspension on Tuesday, stating that Toppin will be barred from all team activities until further notice.
Toppin, a 6-foot-9 forward from Dallas, transferred to Texas Tech in May 2024 after a standout freshman season at the University of New Mexico. At New Mexico, he earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors, averaging 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. His impressive performance continued with the Red Raiders, leading the team with 18.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game this season.
The suspension comes after Toppin’s involvement in a controversial incident earlier this season. On February 1, during a game against the University of Houston, Toppin received a flagrant 2 foul and was ejected after an altercation with Houston’s Joseph Tugler. Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland was also ejected for protesting the call.
Texas Tech’s athletic director, Kirby Hocutt, expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing the university’s commitment to upholding integrity and compliance within its athletic programs. The university has not disclosed the specific substance involved in the positive test.
Toppin’s suspension is a significant setback for the Red Raiders as they approach the latter part of the season. The team will need to adjust its strategy to compensate for the loss of their leading scorer and rebounder. Further updates on Toppin’s status and potential reinstatement will depend on the outcomes of ongoing evaluations and adherence to university and NCAA protocols.
