Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges has gone viral after posting a suspicious picture to social media of him holding a joint and what appeared to be a cup of lean. 

While the NBA has become a lot more lenient with players using recreational drugs such as marijuana they still have strict rules against using harder drugs.

Lean is a drugged beverage that consists of codeine and promethazine, mixed with sprite, slowing your brain down for a sedative effect – it can become addictive if consumed regularly. 

Fans were quick to point out the suspicious-looking drink when Bridges posted the image to his Instagram story. 

The illegality of the drink is a murky area, and while Bridges is open to doing what he wants in the off-season, it could become a larger issue with Bridges looking for a huge payday and contract extension.

Bridges was quick to deny the drink being lean, tweeting: “Pink lemonade.”

However, fans pointed out that pink lemonade paired with a joint is a bit of a weird concoction. 

Bridges deleted his Instagram story following the up roar online, but of course, once it’s posted online it will live forever.

One fan tweeted: “Miles Bridges saying it was pink lemonade while holding a joint is next level hilarious.”

In reference to the attempt at a cover-up, another fan said: “Miles Bridges thought he was slick.”

Miles was one of the most explosive players in the NBA this past season playing 80 out of 82 games and averaging 20.2 points, seven rebounds, and 3.8 assists. 

Hornets are still planning to make him a big part of the roster despite turning down the contract, meaning he could be in line for more than what he was initially offered.

Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak said: “Miles made a big jump. I don't think anyone expected that kind of jump.

"Miles is a restricted free agent which means that we can match any other deal that anybody brings to us and our intention is to keep Miles long-term. He's a big part of our future."

Miles will be hoping his max contract aspirations haven’t been tainted by his latest social media mishap.