Hawks' John Collins Suspended for 25 Games for Testing Positive for Growth Hormone

Hawks forward John Collins has been suspended for 25 games without pay for violating the NBA's Anti-Drug Program, the league announced on Tuesday.

Collins tested positive for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2. His 25-game suspension starts on Tuesday night with Atlanta's game against the Spurs.

The forward released a statement to ESPN to apologize to the Hawks and his fans.

"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 us in this position," Collins said. "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."

Collins said he plans to appeal his suspension in arbitration. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the forward is already working with the NBPA to start the appeal process.

His suspension comes two weeks after the Suns' Deandre Ayton also received a 25-game ban by testing positive for a diuretic. The Net's Wilson Chandler was also handed a suspension for 25 games in August for testing positive for Ipamorelin.

Through five games this season, Collins has averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists.