Nets' Wilson Chandler Suspended 25 Games For PED Use

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Nets forward Wilson Chandler has been suspended 25 games after testing positive for PED use, the NBA announced Thursday.

The veteran forward tested positive for Ipamorelin, a drug that increases the release of growth hormone.

Chandler blamed the failed test on a treatment drug that contained a substance he didn't realize was banned by the NBA.

"During my injury rehab process, before I signed with the Nets, I was prescribed a treatment that included small doses of a substance recently added to the NBA’s prohibited substance list," Chandler said in a statement, via ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. "I did not realize this substance was banned, and neither did the doctor. I accept responsibility and apologize to my Nets teammates, coaches, front office and fans for this mistake. I will continue to work hard to prepare for the upcoming season."

Chandler signed a one-year deal with the Nets during the offseason following stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers last season. The 32-year-old has averaged 12.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game over his 11-year NBA career, which began with the Knicks in 2007. Last season, he averaged 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds.

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Chandler was set to become a key piece off the Nets bench in a revamped offseason after the team acquired Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan. Durant is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season after undergoing surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon.

The suspension will cost Chandler $23,316 per game, or $582,898 overall, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Chandler would not be eligible to return to the Nets' lineup until Dec. 15 against Philadelphia.