Fitzgerald Cecilio

Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu has been suspended 20 games by the NBA after reportedly testing positive for a banned substance.

The drug test was administered in December and Turkoglu, 33, learned he tested positive for the anabolic steroid methenolone one week ago.

Turkoglu said he took a pill to relieve pain while recovering from a shoulder injury during the offseason in Turkey.

He lamented that he should've researched what was given to him, adding that he didn't clear the drug with Orlando's medical staff because he was in Turkey.

The Magic teach their players about NBA's banned substances and have a list of the 125 drugs posted in the locker room at the Amway Center.

The last NBA player to be suspended for steroid use was Rashard Lewis in 2009, when he was also with the Magic.

Lewis was suspended 10 games for taking an over-the-counter supplement that contained DHEA, a steroid precursor that elevates testosterone.

Turkoglu is having the worst season of his career statistically, averaging 2.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 17.2 minutes in 11 of Orlando's 51 games this year.

 

The NBA has suspended Orlando Magic small forward Hedo Turkoglu for 20 games without pay for violating the league’s anti-drug program

 

 

 

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Turkoglu Suspended 20 Games for Steroid Use