Liga NBA je sporočila, da je krilni igralec Atlanta Hawksov John Collins suspendiran za 25 tekem zaradi kršitve protidopinških pravil.
Glede na izjavo lige je bil vzorec 22-letnega Američana pozitiven za rastni hormon sproščajoči peptid 2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2). Na petih letošnjih tekmah je Collins dosegal povprečno 17 točk in 8.8 skokov.
Collins je že podal svojo izjavo za ESPN, v kateri se je opravičil soigralcem. Trdi, da prepovedane substance ni zaužil zavedno in da se namerava pritožiti na kazen.
Collins statement to ESPN: "First I want to apologize to my teammates, the Hawks organization, our fans, partners and community as a whole for this situation. I understand the impact this matter has on what we are trying to achieve together this season, and I am incredibly …"
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 5, 2019
"…frustrated and disappointed in myself for putting all 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. I plan to appeal my suspension…" https://t.co/DaNjSEgRrr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 5, 2019
Foto: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack