New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson has been suspended by the NFL for the first four matches of the 2015 season.
The 24-year-old violated the league's policy regarding performance-enhancing drugs, but will still be able to participate in their training camp and pre-season matches before his ban begins.
"I apologise for letting down my family, teammates, this organisation and the fans," Richardson said in a statement.
"However, words aren't enough. This is something that can only be addressed by how I handle myself from this point on.
"I don't want this to take away from what the team is trying to accomplish. 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 has recorded 145 tackles and 11.5 sacks in his two years in the NFL.
