Andersen reinstated by NBA

NEW YORK, March 4 (UPI) -- Chris Andersen, suspended more than two years ago for violation of the NBA's anti-drug program, was reinstated Tuesday by the league and players' union.

Andersen was kicked out of the NBA on Jan. 27, 2006, after testing positive for a banned substance under the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

The New Orleans Hornets, which own the rights to Andersen, have 30 days to offer Andersen a contract. If the Hornets don't by that time, Andersen would be an unrestricted free agent and could sign with any team.

Andersen, 29, has played in 253 NBA games, averaging 5.1 points and 4.8 rebounds a game. In addition to two seasons with New Orleans, Andersen played three years with the Denver Nuggets.