Hedo Turkoglu receives 20 games suspension from NBA for banned substance use

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

Turkoglu has missed most of the season for a fractured left hand. DHA photo

Orlando Magic’s Turkish forward Hidayet Turkoğlu has been suspended for 20 games due to illicit drug use, which violated the terms of the league’s anti-drug program, the NBA said in a statement Feb. 13. Turkoglu tested positive for anabolic steroid methenolone, according to the NBA. 

Turkoglu took full responsibility, saying he had no knowledge the substance he used for medical purposes was listed in the NBA’s list of banned products. “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. 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,” Turkoglu said in a statement. 

Magic’s General Manager Rob Hennigan also said he believed Turkoglu did not know he was using a prohibited product at the time. “Hedo unknowingly took a banned substance. 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,” he said.

His suspension is without pay and begins Feb. 13 as the Magic will host the Atlanta Hawks at the Amway Center. Turkoglu has missed most of the season for a fractured left hand during the season-opener.