NBA suspends Hedo Türkoğlu for violating anti-doping policy

The NBA has suspended Orlando Magic forward Hedo Türkoğlu for 20 games for violating the league's anti-doping policy by testing positive for methenolone, the NBA announced Wednesday afternoon. The suspension will take effect beginning with Wednesday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Through a team press release, Türkoğlu explained the positive test for the banned substance:

"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," Türkoğlu said. "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, the Magic's general manager, also made a statement in the team's press release.

"Hedo unknowingly took a banned substance," Hennigan said. "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."

Türkoğlu will be eligible to return to the Magic on March 27th against the Charlotte Bobcats. The 33-year-old has made just 11 appearances for Orlando in 2012/13 due to a variety of injuries.

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