New York Knicks center Joakim Noah took on the media after receiving a 20-game suspension without pay due to use of a substance banned by the NBA.
“I made a mistake,” Noah told reporters after morning practice. “It was a tough year for me and this team … I let a lot of people down.”
The 32-year-old had tested positive for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LGD-4033, a legal supplement in most places, but banned by the league. This modulator acts as an anabolic steroid despite being a non-steroidal supplement.
The 6-foot-11 center has missed 96 games over the span of three seasons due to nagging injuries, and was ruled out for the year after undergoing left knee surgery.
Noah hasn't been the same since being plagued with these injuries and has appeared a step or two slower from the year he was lauded Defensive Player of the Year. The 32 year old said Tuesday that he was only trying to expedite his rehabilitation.
“I tried to take a supplement to help me,” said Noah. “I've gone through a lot of injuries. I tried to take something to help me and it backfired. It didn't come from a bad place.”
The Hell's Kitchen native cannot begin to serve his suspension until the team declares him medically fit to play. Said clearance can come as soon as Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat, which would sit him for the final eight games of the season and the first 12 of the 2017-18 campaign.
“Twenty games is severe,” Noah said, “But it is what it is and I gotta bounce back.”
After signing a four-year, $72 million contract with the Knicks in the offseason, Joakim Noah has averaged 5.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a career-worst 0.8 blocks this season.