NBA News: John Collins May Have To Wait For His Appeal To Be Heard

As expected, John Collins will appeal the lengthy 25-game suspension slapped to him by the National Basketball Association for violation of the league's anti-drug program, which was helped establish by the National Basketball Players Association.

However, appealing the said ban is easier said than done.

Mike Conti, who has been covering the Atlanta Hawks' games on the radio, said that it may take some time before the NBA would even begin to assess Collins' appeal.

"The appeals process for John Collins may not be a quick one," Conti said in his Twitter account on Monday.

He cited the case of Phoenix big man DeAndre Ayton, who according to him had his own appeal only deliberated after two weeks.

Like Collins, Ayton was also banned for 25 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug rules.

Collins' third year in the pros took an early hit after he was tested positive for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 also known as pralmorelin, a prohibited substance as per the World Anti-Doping Agency, leading to the long suspension.

"I want to apologize to my teammates, the Hawks organization, our fans, partners and community as a whole for this situation. 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 of us in this position," he said in a statement.

Collins added that he had no idea that the supplement he took has GHRP-2.

This claim could be of great help in his appeal as the NBPA can do a plea on behalf of him to have his ban reduced due to a clause in the collective bargaining agreement regarding the unintentional ingestion of a prohibited substance.

Meanwhile, Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce said that he will help Collins get through this debacle.

"This is what I've been charged with as a head coach, and it's to help John and support John get through this, not as a player but a person. That's where I mind is and where my mind went when everything occurred this morning," Pierce told Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.