Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins was off to a hot start this season after enjoying a breakout year last year, but he could now be forced to sit out for nearly two months after violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
Collins has been suspended 25 games after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug called Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2, the NBA announced on Tuesday. The 22-year-old issued a statement saying he unknowingly took a supplement that contained a banned substance. He apologized and said he will appeal the 25-game ban.
Collins statement to ESPN: “First I want to apologize to my teammates, the Hawks organization, our fans, partners and community as a whole for this situation. I understand the impact this matter has on what we are trying to achieve together this season, and I am incredibly …”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 5, 2019
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“…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…” https://t.co/DaNjSEgRrr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 5, 2019
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Collins continued: “….in arbitration so I can get back on the court as soon as possible and continue to contribute to our 2019-20 campaign.”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 5, 2019
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Collins, who was drafted by the Hawks with the 19th overall pick in 2017, became a huge contributor last year. He averaged nearly a double-double with 19.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, and he was off to a similar start this season with averages of 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks through five games.
The Hawks have had some bad luck early this year, though they were fortunate when Trae Young’s nasty-looking injury turned out to not be serious. Pending the results of Collins’ appeal, they will now have to fill a major void in their frontcourt.
