Atléticos de San Germán are left without Montrezl Harrell after a doping suspension announced on June 29, just before the Conference B semifinal against the Leones de Ponce. The sanction, lasting until January 2027, removes the reinforcement from the BSN playoff roster.
What happened with the doping test?
The control took place on January 29 2025 while Harrell was playing in Australia with the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL. According to tournament director Ricardo Carrillo, the player did not test positive for any substance, but provided only 40 ml of urine, far below the required 90 ml minimum. When he tried to repeat the sample, he again gave 40 ml and left the process, which the rules treat as a serious breach.
How does this affect Atléticos de San Germán?
Two days before the suspension, Harrell scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the win over the Capitanes de Arecibo, including the game‑winning basket. That double‑double had been crucial to keep San Germán in second place in the standings. Without him, the team loses a player who contributed about 20 % of its points per game and a dominant presence in the paint.
What actions did the club take?
The Atléticos hired lawyer José Solá, former BSN tournament director, and filed an appeal to have the suspension lifted pending a hearing. José “Cheo” Rivera, the team’s legal representative, posted on social media that the club is working with the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation to clarify the case and protect the roster’s competitiveness.
What’s next for the playoffs?
The BSN stated the investigation remains confidential until a final decision is made. Meanwhile, the playoff schedule moves forward and the Leones de Ponce prepare to face a San Germán without its star reinforcement. The Atléticos coach will need to redistribute minutes among local big men and look for perimeter options to offset the loss of paint rebounds and scoring.
What is the NBL’s stance?
The Australian league formally notified the sanction on June 28 after an internal review concluded Harrell had not violated any prohibited‑substance rule, but did breach the sample protocol. Anti‑doping officials reduced the penalty to two years retroactive to January 29 2025, though the BSN maintains the suspension through 2027.
Harrell’s future in the BSN remains uncertain, while Atléticos de San Germán scramble to re‑configure their rotation before the decisive series.