Thunder forward McGary on NCAA marijuana suspension: 'Just don't get caught'

Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Mitch McGary has some advice for college athletes who smoke marijuana, and it isn't "just say no to drugs."

McGary downplayed his college pot use in an interview with VICE Sports posted Thursday.

McGary was handed a one-year ban at Michigan after testing positive for marijuana during the NCAA Tournament. He declared for the NBA Draft and the Thunder selected him with the 21st overall pick in June.

"I did [drugs], whatever, so what," McGary told VICE.

Then came the advice for student-athletes.

"I learned from it. It was in college. They'll understand when they're in college, or after that. But it's something I did and I learned from it. It was the opposite of harming somebody, but I guess the NCAA is a little harsh on their penalties. I don't think the penalty fit the crime, but that's just the way it goes ... But you know, it happens and hopefully some kids can learn from it, but just don't get caught."

McGary's final year as a Wolverine ended prematurely in December when he suffered a back injury that kept him out for the rest of the season. He was drug tested while rehabbing following Michigan's win over Tennessee in the Sweet 16. 

[H/T CBS Eye on College Basketball]