Deandre Ayton speaks publicly on suspension for first time

In an interview on Fox Sports Arizona, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton spoke publicly for the first time since being suspended 25 games after testing positive for a diuretic.

EXCLUSIVE: Deandre Ayton interview pt. 1

Tom Chambers sits down with DA as Ayton explains the embarrassment he felt from being suspended and what he has been doing in the days between then and now. pic.twitter.com/lgkYhnQbaP

— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) December 17, 2019

“I was shocked at first and it was just this moment to where they, I think they were waiting for me to hear what I had to say,” he said on Dec. 11 to Fox Sports Arizona’s Tom Chambers. “I was just really shocked and embarrassed.”

Ayton released a statement through ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and later the team on Oct. 24 when the news broke of his suspension but he has not commented through any other avenues until the interview with Fox Sports Arizona.

In that statement and report, there was an intention from Ayton to appeal his suspension but he ultimately never went through that process.

“I spoke to the union and the team and we all agreed on just being around the team and getting better,” he said. “Just really not being a distraction.”

Ayton said when he received that call from the league that there was a lot on his mind.

“Most of all, I disappointed everybody that’s in my circle and I started to just think to myself how my career is gonna be in that one moment, in that one call,” he said.

Ayton has missed the team’s last 24 games and Monday night’s matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers will be his final 25th before returning on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Before that game will be Ayton’s first time speaking to the media.

The 21-year-old No. 1 overall pick came third in Rookie of the Year voting last year, posting 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds on historic efficiency for a rookie big man.

In the season opener against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 23, Ayton played well, recording 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.

Aron Baynes has provided a viable short-term solution in Ayton’s place, being one of the Suns’ most valuable players as a starter, but has dealt with injuries and has missed nine games.

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