Suspended NBA Player Joins Rapper J. Cole In Canadian Pro League

After serving a full-season suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug program,  former Toronto Raptors 2nd-round pick Jalen Harris has signed with the Canadian Elite Basketball League to play in a suburb of Toronto for the Scarborough Shooting Stars. He'll join rapper J. Cole in the Shooting Stars backcourt.

Former Raptors 2nd-rounder Jalen Harris has signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the CEBL.

After serving his suspension for violating the NBA's Anti-Drug program, Harris is eligible to be reinstated by the league for next season and the Raptors still own his rights.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 24, 2022

The 23-year-old Nevada product appeared in 13 games for the Raptors in 2020-21 but was banned for a year by the NBA on July 1, 2021. He'll be eligible to apply for reinstatement this July 1st. 

“That’s in the past,” Harris said about his suspension. “I’m focused and I’m excited for the future. An error happened. It wasn’t my fault, but I accept full responsibility."

He fully intends to try to re-start his NBA career. His previous contract was nullified by the suspension, but the Raptors still own his rights if he is reinstated, and will have first dibs on re-signing if they choose.

He'll have a well-known teammate in the CEBL, as Grammy Award-winning rapper J. Cole signed there last week.   

Photo Credit:  Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports