Two players have been meted four-game suspensions by the National Football League (NFL) for separate violations.
Sheldon Richardson of the New York Jets and Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers will miss the first games of the regular season for their respective ballclubs for incurring violations on the NFL’s police on substance and PED policy respectively.
New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season after the NFL found the former University of Missouri alumnus guilty of violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
This means that Richardson will only be allowed to return to the active roster starting October 5, a day after the Jets face AFC East rival Miami.
Richardson was apologetic for the whole issue and vowed to provide the needed support that the team would need while he is serving his suspension.
“I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans,” Richardson said in a statement… While I won’t be there at the start of the regular season, I will do whatever I can to support my teammates until I’m able to return to the field” Richardson said in a statement.
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) July 2, 2015
Richardson is entering his third season and is eligible to participate in all of the Jets’ offseason and preseason practice games. Though his loss is a setback, the Jets can still rely on other players on the defensive end with Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and first-round pick Leonard Williams. Richardson was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013. He played mostly as a starter and is someone expected to play an integral role in coach Todd Bowles’ defensive strategy.
“We’re going to support Sheldon and welcome him back upon his return. We will keep moving forward with our preparations for the upcoming season” said coach Bowles on the suspension of Richardson.
However, it wasn’t only Richardson who was given a four-game suspension last Thursday.
San Diego Charger Antonio Gates was likewise suspended for the first four games of the regular season after violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Gates claims that he was unaware of taking in a banned substance though he admitted taking supplement in the offseason.
"I take full responsibility for my actions," Gates said. "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."
For his part, Gates is eligible to return to the Chargers active roster by October 5. He will miss the team’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
With Gates serving his suspension, the Chargers will be looking to Ladarius Green to step up in for the time-being as the team’s starting tight.
However, like Richardson, Gates can participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.
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