The Chicago Bears’ woes continue. Earlier this week it was rumored that several players have lost faith in quarterback Jay Cutler, and now their top receiver, Alshon Jeffery, has been suspended for violating the NFL's policy on using performance-enhancing drugs.
According to NFL.com, Jeffery will serve a four-game suspension, effective immediately, and he's set to lose over $3 million in salary. In a statement viewed by NFL.com, Jeffery blamed the positive test result on a supplement that contained an ingredient on the NFL's banned-substance list.
"As a professional athlete, I have been careful about what I put in my body," Jeffery's statement read. "I took a recommended supplement to combat inflammation. Unfortunately this supplement contained an ingredient that was on the NFL's banned substance list. I take full responsibility and I'm deeply upset with myself for not doing the proper research on this supplement. I want to apologize to my family, the Bears organization, my teammates, and Bears fans. I will work hard to earn back the respect and trust of the Bears nation and look forward to being back on the field."
Jeffery is a franchise tag player who was hoping to earn a long-term agreement this summer. He won't be able to return to the Bears' active roster until Monday, Dec. 12, after the team's week 14 game against the Detroit Lions.
"We're very disappointed," Bears coach John Fox said, NFL.com reports. "He's fairly embarrassed about it. We'll support him and welcome him back after serving his suspension."
Read more at NFL.com.