The Brooklyn Nets were set to go into the 2019-20 season with an improved roster, but now they're facing a major setback. As reported by ESPN's Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter, forward Wilson Chandler has received a 25-game suspension after he tested positive for the use of performance enhancing drugs.
The NBA later made the suspension official after league sources reported the PED use, confirming that he tested positive for Ipamorelin. The 32-year-old signed a one-year deal with the team last month. He was expected to fill in for Kevin Durant, who signed with the Nets, but will miss most or even all of the season after he ruptured his Achilles during the NBA Finals.
Wojnarowski later added that Chandler has since released a statement, accepting the decision 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," he said. Chandler missed a lot of the last season due to a quadriceps strain.
"I accept responsibility and apologize to my Nets teammates, coaches, front office and fans for this mistake," Chandler added. "I will continue to work hard to prepare for the upcoming season."
Chandler is expected to make his return to the court on Dec. 15, when the Nets go up against the Philadelphia 76ers.
