Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins has been suspended 25 games without pay for a violation of the NBA's anti-drug program, the league announced.
Collins tested positive for growth hormone-releasing peptide-2.
In a statement to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Collins indicated he will appeal the punishment, and said his violation was the result of a contaminated supplement.
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 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.
The Hawks star is the second NBA player in the last week to receive a suspension for a drug violation; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is also in the midst of his own 25-game ban after testing positive for a diuretic. Brooklyn Nets forward Wilson Chandler was also suspended 25 games prior to the season due to a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug.
Collins will forfeit $610,582 in salary with the suspension, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. The 22-year-old is earning $2.68 million this season, per Spotrac.
Now in his third NBA season, Collins is averaging 17 points, 8.8 rebounds, and two blocks after five games.