Larry Grant has issued an apology for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The linebacker, who is currently a free agent, was handed a four-game suspension for failing a drugs test last month.
The 28-year-old said in a statement: "I've waited far too long to say my apologies to my children, my family, and friends, the 49ers organisation, the Buckeye nation, and my fans.
"Failing a drug test is far out of my character and although I never knowingly took a performance enhancing drug I take full responsibility for what goes in my body and more importantly for the embarrassment of a failed drug test.
"It's my goal by issuing this statement to clear my name and more importantly to be judged by what happens to me in the future. I hope that my family, my football family, all my fans, and Niner Empire can forgive me for this situation and I look forward to a successful 2013 season."
Grant spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, but is yet to sign with a team for the 2013 campaign.
