Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu has been suspended 20 games without pay after testing positive for methenolone, which is a type of steroid in the NBA's anti-drug program. Both Turkoglu and the Magic released statements about the positive test.
Turkoglu:
"While I was back home in Turkey this past summer, I was given a medication by my trainer to help recover more quickly from a shoulder injury. I didn't know that this was a banned substance and didn't check before taking it. I take full responsibility for anything that goes into my body. This was a complete error in judgment on my part and I apologize to the Orlando Magic organization, the league, my teammates, and the Magic fans. I know I have let down a lot of people and I am truly sorry for my mistake."
Rob Hennigan, Orlando Magic General Manager:
"Hedo unknowingly took a banned substance. There are more than 125 banned substances on the NBA List, and we spend a lot of time educating our players on the contents of that list and will certainly continue to do so moving forward. We believe this was an honest mistake."
This is Turkoglu's first offense, a second positive test would get him a 45-game suspension and a third positive test gets you kicked out of the league. The Magic forward has been dealing with a hand injury all season long and has played in just 11 games this season, averaging 2.9 ppg and 2.4 rpg.
This no doubt will be a hot topic over All-Star Weekend considering David Stern recently said he would like to see testing for HGH as soon as next season.
Photo: Ball or Nuthin.com
