Turkey's NBA player Turkoglu suspended for steroids

NEW YORK (AFP) –

Forward Hedo Turkoglu of the Orlando Magic warms up at Amway Center on May 2, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. The National Basketball Association slapped Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu with a 20-game ban Wednesday after he tested positive for steroids.

The National Basketball Association slapped Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu with a 20-game ban Wednesday after he tested positive for steroids.

The league said the 33-year-old Turkish native tested positive for the steroid methenolone.

Turkoglu blamed the positive test on a “trainer” in Turkey but he did not name the person who gave him the steroids.

“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,” Turkoglu said in a statement. “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 judgement on my part and I apologize to the Orlando Magic organization, the league, my team-mates and the Magic fans,” he added.

“I know I have let down a lot of people and I am truly sorry for my mistake.”

His suspension begins Wednesday night, when the Magic face the Atlanta Hawks.

In 11 games this season, the 13-year veteran has averaged 2.9 points, 2.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game.

A former first round draft pick in 2000, Turkoglu has a career average of 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.