On Tuesday, the Panel sent a letter informing the Kaunas club that doping control officers had found traces of cannabis, attributed to stimulants, in Collins' samples. The player was banned from international and national games. Žalgiris' board will consider the American player's future in the club following the verdict.
Collins had faced a two-year ban. But after taking into account Collin's claim the prohibited substance got into his organism accidentally, the player's regret and other circumstances, the Panel banned him for only three months.
"It's regrettable that it happened with such an experienced and professional player of Žalgiris. I warned Collins not to befriend the group of suspicious members from Vilnius. I had information they were trying to provoke our player. I do not discount the possibility the doping control test was the result of their actions," Žalgiris owner Vladimir Romanov said.
