The Charlotte Hornets are clearly showing they are serious contenders this season, but will have to miss the services of center Al Jefferson who was handed a five-game suspension by the National Basketball Association (NBA) for violating the league and the National Basketball Players Association's (NBPA) anti-drug program.  

Unfortunately for Jefferson and the Hornets, this is another setback for them with the center currently sidelined due to a left calf strain. 

According to reports, Jefferson's suspension will begin when he returns from the calf injury which is expected to keep him out of action for two to three weeks. 

In a statement released by the Hornets last Wednesday which was posted on their website, the team expressed disappointment on the suspension. 

"We are disappointed in Al's decisions that led to this suspension. As an organization, we do not condone this behavior. We have addressed this with Al. He is regretful and understands that we expect him to learn from this mistake," the statement read. 

Meanwhile, Jefferson also released a statement apologizing to the entire Hornets organization and the fans. 

A part of the statement read, "I am blessed to be able to play the game that I love for a living and I do not take that for granted. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry, and I am committed to making smarter decisions in the future."

Jefferson started playing for the Hornets, then called the Charlotte Bobcats, in the 2013–14 season and since then has been the starting center of the team. 

In 17 games played this season before the injury, the 30-year-old center is averaging 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 26.2 minutes of action per contest. 

Jefferson is a huge part of the Hornets' successful run so far this 2015–16 NBA regular season. 

Currently, Charlotte is second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 13–8 record, just a game behind the conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers who are at 14–7. 

The Hornets are riding a three-game winning streak and will hit the road on Friday as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies.