Mayo appealing drug suspension: 'I'll be back soon'

Guard O.J. Mayo was disqualified from competing in the NBA on July 1 after violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, although the exact reasoning behind his dismissal wasn't disclosed.

The 28-year-old recently told TMZ Sports that he has filed an appeal to the league to potentially return to action earlier than the two years he'd need to wait before applying for reinstatement.

"I'll be back soon," said Mayo, who played 41 games for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2015-16 campaign.

The new collective bargaining agreement dictates that "if a player tests positive for a drug of abuse, he will be dismissed and disqualified from the NBA."

The former third overall pick said he'll disclose his side of the story soon, but is focusing on his recovery after undergoing foot surgery recently.

Mayo was ruled out for the remainder of the season March 10, after fracturing his right ankle by "accidentally tripping" down a set of stairs at his home.