The Adelaide 36ers have officially terminated the contract of star import Montrezl Harrell, just days before the National Basketball League (NBL) season opener. The decision follows revelations that Harrell tested positive for a prohibited substance while playing in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) earlier this year.

The 30-year-old forward, known for his high-energy style during his NBA career, had been serving a provisional suspension imposed by anti-doping authorities. The test in question was conducted in April 2025 while Harrell was playing for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, with the positive result confirmed two months later.

The 36ers, who signed Harrell in September 2024 and re-signed him in May 2025, said they had “no choice” but to release him.

“As it stands, Harrell is not permitted to train or play,” the club said in a statement. “And with no timeline on when the process will be finalised and no certainty on any sanctions, the club has been left with no option but to terminate Harrell’s contract to allow it to finalise the playing roster.”

Harrell’s Rise and Fall

Montrezl Harrell was once one of the NBA’s most dynamic bench players, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2020 while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Over the course of more than 500 NBA games, he suited up for franchises including the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets.

When his NBA opportunities diminished, Harrell turned to overseas basketball, eventually joining the Chinese league. The move to Adelaide was seen as a chance to revive his career and bring star power to the NBL. His signing generated headlines, and fans were excited to see his aggressive rebounding and inside scoring energize the 36ers.

But the doping scandal now casts a shadow over that comeback story.

Timing Leaves the 36ers Scrambling

The timing of Harrell’s positive test could not have been worse for the 36ers. With the season set to tip off against the Brisbane Bullets in just days, the club is left scrambling to find a replacement import.

Under NBL rules, clubs are permitted to carry multiple imports, but the market for experienced players this late in the preseason is limited. The 36ers will likely explore both domestic talent and overseas recruits in a bid to shore up their frontcourt before Sunday’s opener.

Head coach Scott Ninnis faces the challenge of reshaping the roster on short notice. Fans are understandably concerned about how losing a marquee name will affect Adelaide’s playoff hopes.

Confidentiality and WADA Oversight

The club stressed it could not provide detailed comments on the matter due to the confidentiality policies of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

That means crucial details—such as the substance involved or Harrell’s potential defense—remain unknown. The uncertainty over how long the suspension might last ultimately forced Adelaide’s hand. Without clarity, the risk of holding a roster spot for Harrell became untenable.

Impact on the NBL

For the NBL, the incident is a reminder of the complexities that come with recruiting high-profile imports. Harrell was expected to boost ticket sales and bring international attention to the league, particularly given his NBA pedigree. Instead, the headlines now focus on a doping scandal.

The NBL has worked hard to position itself as one of the strongest basketball leagues outside the NBA, attracting stars like LaMelo Ball in recent years. While Harrell’s exit is a setback, league officials will hope the focus quickly shifts back to on-court action once the season begins.

Harrell’s Future

For Harrell, the road back to professional basketball is unclear. If the doping case results in a lengthy suspension, his chances of returning to the NBL—or any major league—could be severely damaged.

However, players in the past have rehabilitated their careers after doping controversies, provided they comply with sanctions and rebuild trust with fans and clubs. At 30, Harrell still has time, but the reputational damage is undeniable.

Final Word

The termination of Montrezl Harrell’s contract is a blow not only to the Adelaide 36ers but also to the NBL’s growing reputation. It underscores the risks clubs face when signing imports with complex playing histories.

For Adelaide, the focus now shifts to finding a new star who can carry the team into the new season. For Harrell, the challenge will be clearing his name—or facing the reality that his professional basketball journey may have reached an abrupt and unwanted conclusion.

Stay tuned with Daily Global Diary for breaking updates on this developing story and more coverage from the world of sports.

Tuesday night’s showdown between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field (8:05 p.m. ET) is drawing serious betting interest — but it’s also turning into a test of consistency, streaks, and redemption stories.

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With the Rangers listed as -137 moneyline favorites, and the Yankees as +115 underdogs, the bookmakers are clearly leaning toward the home team. But is that the smart bet?

Let’s dig into the key players and numbers that could shape this clash.

Marcus Semien Needs to Spark

Rangers infielder Marcus Semien isn’t having his most dominant year, but he remains a crucial piece of the lineup. Batting just .226, Semien’s stats may look modest — 14 doubles, 13 home runs, and 45 walks — but his presence at the plate is often about more than just averages.

In terms of MLB rankings, Semien currently stands 142nd in batting average, 130th in on-base percentage, and 140th in slugging — not exactly MVP numbers, but enough to make him a threat if he gets going.

Josh Smith: A Hit-or-Miss Contributor

Infielder Josh Smith leads the Rangers with a team-best .269 batting average, but his power numbers remain low. He’s 159th in home runs and 209th in RBIs across Major League Baseball.

Smith is currently riding a two-game hitting streak, but over his last five outings, he’s managed a disappointing .143 batting average with just two RBIs. If the Rangers are to cover the -1.5 run line (with +152 odds), Smith will need to step up under the lights.

Cody Bellinger Could Tip the Scale

Over in the Yankees camp, Cody Bellinger is the one to watch. A former NL MVP, Bellinger has been warming up at the plate and could pose a major threat to Rangers pitching.

The Yankees, known for their explosive potential, are looking to prove that their underdog status in this matchup is temporary. One solid inning from hitters like Bellinger or Aaron Judge could shift the game’s momentum in a heartbeat.

Betting Angle: What to Watch For

The over/under is set at 8 runs, suggesting that oddsmakers expect a fairly balanced offensive game. But with both teams showing inconsistencies at the plate, betting on the under could be a safer move — unless Bellinger or Semien decide to explode offensively.

Meanwhile, fans and punters alike are watching closely to see if the Rangers can continue justifying their favorite status, or if the Yankees will deliver the upset win that resets the narrative.

In a night filled with nerves, records, and resilience, the Indiana Fever pulled off a thrilling 78-74 win against the Seattle Storm, notching their fifth consecutive victory and tying their longest winning streak in over ten years.

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It wasn’t just another win—it was a statement.

Natasha Howard, with a team-leading 21 points, and Sophie Cunningham, with a flawless 17-point performance, carried the offense early. The duo combined for 22 first-half points, giving the Fever a much-needed 42-34 lead at halftime.

But it was Aliyah Boston—the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year—who stole the show with her 38th career double-double (16 points and 12 rebounds). With 932 career rebounds, Boston just passed franchise legend Tammy Sutton-Brown for the fourth-most in team history—and she did it in only 109 games.

I just want to keep pushing this team forward,” Boston said postgame. “We know our potential.

Cunningham was nothing short of perfect in the first half, hitting 3-of-3 from the field, 2-of-2 from deep, and 2-of-2 at the line, finishing with a season-high 17 points.

Seattle made a final push in the last moments of the fourth quarter, pulling within a single point with just 10.7 seconds on the clock. But Kelsey Mitchell‘s clutch layup followed by Boston’s calm free throw sealed the Fever’s historic road win.

Adding to the highlights, Aari McDonald dished out a season-high nine assists—just one shy of her career-best set in 2024.

Boston’s 14 double-doubles this season trail only Angel Reese (17), further proving her value as one of the WNBA’s most dominant forces. Only A’ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Reese, and Breanna Stewart have recorded more since 2023.

With playoff hopes alive and momentum building, this Indiana Fever squad is no longer the underdog—they’re a rising storm in the WNBA.