Hedo Turkoglu Suspended 20 Games After Testing Positive for Steroids

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.