Hawks’ John Collins suspended 25 games for PEDs

John Collins will miss the next 25 games due to a suspension. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

ESPN

Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins was suspended without pay for 25 games Tuesday for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

Collins, in his third season with the team, tested positive for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (GHRP-2), the league said.

Collins told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowsi that he will appeal the suspension.

“First I want to apologize to my teammates, the Hawks organization, our fans, partners and community as a whole for this situation,” Collins said in a statement to Wojnarowski. “I understand the impact this matter has on what we are trying to achieve together this season, and I am incredibly frustrated and disappointed in myself for putting all us in this position.

“I have always been incredibly careful about what I put in my body, but I took a supplement, which unbeknownst to me, had been contaminated with an illegal component. I plan to appeal my suspension in arbitration so I can get back on the court as soon as possible and continue to contribute to our 2019-20 campaign.”

Collins is averaging 17 points and 8.8 rebounds in 32.2 minutes per game this season.

His suspension will begin with Tuesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.

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