Hawks’ John Collins Suspended 25 Games For Testing Positive For Growth Hormone

Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins was suspended 25 games on Tuesday for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.

Collins tested positive for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (GHRP-2), which is known for raising food intake levels in adult men. He will start his suspension immediately, according to several reports. Collins is hoping to appeal his suspension with the NBA Players’ Association.

The 22-year-old Hawks star is in his third year in the NBA. He was drafted by Atlanta as a first-round pick (19th overall) in 2017 out of Wake Forest. Along with Trae Young, he has given the Hawks a major boost in the front court. Last season, Collins scored 19.5 points and added 9.8 rebounds per game over 61 contests. This season, he is averaging 17 points and 8.8 rebounds after six games.

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Collins a released a statement apologizing for his actions.

“First I want to apologize to my teammates, the Hawks organization, our fans, partners and community as a whole for this situation,” Collins said in a statement shared with USA Today. “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 of 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.”

“On behalf of the entire Hawks organization, we are disappointed to learn that John put himself in an unfortunate situation and violated the league’s anti-drug policy,” Hawks president of basketball operations/general manager Travis Schlenk said in a statement also provided to USA Today. “We hold ourselves and each of our players to a high standard, and we are committed to supporting John as he learns from this setback and continues to grow as both a player and a person. Head Coach Lloyd Pierce and I have both talked to him and we believe that he is truly remorseful for his actions. We will provide John with support on and off the court while we look forward to his return to the team.”