NEW YORK, May 13 (UPI) -- Forward Clifford Robinson of New Jersey Friday was suspended for five games after violating the terms of the NBA's anti-drug program.
Because of the suspension, Robinson missed the Nets' 103-92 loss to Miami Friday night in Game Three of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
With New Jersey trailing two games to one, Robinson may not play again this season. His absence left the Nets short-handed in the contest.
Newsday reported that the team learned of Robinson's suspension only after the 17-year veteran already had taken part in the morning shoot-around.
"That's probably six less fouls they have to put on the big fella," Miami forward Udonis Haslem said to the Miami Herald, referring to Heat center Shaquille O'Neal, who is frequently is guarded by Robinson when he came off the Nets' bench. "Who knows what to expect now, maybe a lot more zone, maybe a couple different junk defenses."
