Antonio Gates, center, was suspended four games without pay. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
The start of the 2015 NFL season will be played without a number of familiar faces after the NFL on Thursday handed out a string of suspensions to players who violated its substance abuse policy.
Four players, including veteran tight end Antonio Gates, were suspended without pay ahead of the holiday.
Gates, who was hit with a four-game ban, blamed the positive test on “supplements and holistic medicines” he used to recover from last season. Gates on Thursday in response:
“In my 12 years in the NFL, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the NFL shield and all that it entails. I have taken extreme care of my body with a holistic approach and I have never knowingly ingested a substance that was banned by the NFL. In an effort to recover from this past season, I used supplements and holistic medicines, and unfortunately, I have now learned that those substances always present a risk because they may contain banned substances even if the ingredient list doesn’t reflect them. As an NFL veteran and team leader, I should have done my due diligence to ensure that what I was taking for recovery was within the NFL guidelines. I understand that I am responsible for what is in my body and I have always believed that ignorance is no excuse when it comes to these issues. I take full responsibility for my actions. I’d like to express my sincere apologies to the Chargers, my teammates, coaches, fans and the league who have always supported me and expected and gotten nothing but the highest level of integrity from me.”
Packers defensive end Datone Jones (one game), Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (four games) and Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson were also suspended without pay Thursday.
I apologize for my mistake and for disappointing the people who mean everything to me.
— Sheldon Richardson (@Godforshort)
I vow to you, this will not happen again. My team will continue to push forward without me to start the season.
— Sheldon Richardson (@Godforshort)
I promise I will be there for them in everyway that I can until I am able to return.
— Sheldon Richardson (@Godforshort)
Rolando McClain also released a statement Thursday via the NFL Players Association:
“I apologize to my family, the Cowboys organization, my teammates and Cowboys fans for my mistake. I will not break the rules of my profession in the future, and I regret my error. I look forward to returning to the field on week 5, when I hope to help my team beat the Patriots.”
According to that was ratified by the players and league in 2014, first-time violators for a stimulant or anabolic agent will receive a four-game ban without pay. Violations for a diuretic or masking agent warrant a one-game suspension. And violations for both warrant six games.
Second-time violators are suspended 10 games. Third-time offenders will be banished from the NFL for at least two seasons, subject to appeal. Players can petition the commissioner for reinstatement after 24 months.
It’s worth noting, especially in the case of Gates, an eight-time Pro Bowler, that any player suspended for violating the drug policy will be ineligible for selection to the Pro Bowl or any other honors from the NFL or players association for that season.
Because Thursday’s suspensions were handed out in the offseason, the players will be allowed to participate in training camp and preseason, but will serve the suspension at the start of the regular season.
