Hedo Turkoglu has been suspended 20 games by the NBA for violating the league’s drug policy, according to an announcement by the league.
The 33-year-old Magic guard tested positive for methenolone, an anabolic steroid, and will begin serving his suspension on Wednesday, when the Magic are scheduled to take on the Hawks.
“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,” Turkoglu said in a statement. “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.”
Turkoglu was averaging just 2.9 points per game while shooting just 26.4 percent from the floor for the Magic. He was set to make $11.8 million this season, but the 20-game suspension will cost him a little over $2 million in salary.
