Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins was suspended without pay for 25 games Tuesday for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

Collins, in his third season with the team, tested positive for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (GHRP-2), the league said.

Collins told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowsi that he will appeal the suspension.

"First I want to apologize to my teammates, the Hawks organization, our fans, partners and community as a whole for this situation," Collins said in a statement to Wojnarowski. "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.

"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. I plan to appeal my suspension in arbitration so I can get back on the court as soon as possible and continue to contribute to our 2019-20 campaign."

Collins is averaging 17 points and 8.8 rebounds in 32.2 minutes per game this season.

His suspension will begin with Tuesday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs, pending the appeal.