Miami star feels NBA heat

MacLean (right) in action against the Orlando Magic

Miami Heat forward Don MacLean has been suspended for five games without pay for violating NBA and Players' Assocation policy on using steroids.

MacLean, 30, who was scheduled to miss at least a month after undergoing surgery on his right foot on 15 November, is the first NBA player to be suspended for steroid use.

Neither the Heat, the NBA nor the Players Association is permitted to disclose information regarding the testing or treatment of a player.

MacLean was signed by the Heat as a free agent after stints with Washington (1992-95), Denver (1995-96), Philadelphia (1996-97), New Jersey (1997-98), Seattle (1998-99) and Phoenix (1999-2000).

He has played just 42 games over the past three seasons due to injuries, and is averaging 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds this season.

The NBA's Most Improved Player for the 1993-94 season, he has a career average of 11.1 points and 3.8 rebounds.