Hassan Niam Whiteside, a foreign player for the new CBA champions Shanghai Sharks, faces a possible two-year ban after violating the use of stimulants, but the team is expected to retain their title.
According to a statement released by the China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada) on Friday, Whiteside tested positive for the banned substances oxandrolone metabolites and clomiphene during the 2025-2026 CBA home playoff game against Shandong on May 6. The player waived his right to a B sample test.
Under the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), oxandrolone metabolites are classified as anabolic agents of class S1, while clomifene is a hormone of class S4 and a metabolic modulator.
Following the violation, Whiteside also played in the second game of Shanghai’s quarterfinal series against Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin, as well as the entire semifinal series against the Beijing Ducks.
Whiteside missed the Shanghai finals series against the Zhejiang Lions. Shanghai eventually won 4-1 to take the CBA championship.
Whiteside, 37, played as a center in the NBA from 2010 to 2022 for the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, as well as for Lebanese and Puerto Rican teams. He joined Shanghai last year.
