Former Kentucky star Malik Monk reinstated after NBA suspension
Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk, suspended under the NBA’s anti-drug policy in February, has been reinstated.
Hornets General Manager Mitch Kupchak revealed the news Monday during a conference call with Charlotte media. Monk, a former University of Kentucky standout, has been working out at the practice gym at Spectrum Center and participating in team meetings via video conference.
“That’s been a while now,” Kupchak said of Monk’s suspension ending. “He went through his program, and my understanding was he was reinstated as soon as possible. He has been in our facility and participated in all team activities.
“Whenever we can resume some (group) activity, hopefully on a formal basis, he’ll be there.”
Monk, the Hornets’ 2017 lottery pick, was suspended without pay in late February. The length of that suspension was open-ended — the league’s statement said the suspension would continue “until he is determined to be in full compliance” with the anti-drug policy.
The Hornets’ 2019-20 season was declared finished last week when the NBA didn’t include them in a 22-team restart plan for late July. The NBA season was paused March 11 by the coronavirus pandemic.
Monk played one season at Kentucky (2016-17) and was the team’s top scorer at 19.8 points per game. He also averaged 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and broke UK’s single-game freshman scoring record when he put up 47 in a win over North Carolina. He also set the school’s season scoring record for a freshman with 754 points.
This story was originally published June 8, 2020 at 12:54 PM with the headline "Former Kentucky star Malik Monk reinstated after NBA suspension."
