In what amounts to a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens playoff hopes, starting defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was suspended four games by the NFL for violating its performance enhancing drug policy.
#Ravens DT Haloti Ngata has been suspended by the NFL for the next four games for violating its performance enhancing substances policy.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 4, 2014
Ngata took responsibility for his actions in what looks to be a prepared statement.
I made a mistake, and I own this. I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and and I believe the can do this. And then, I can come back and help us win.
Ngata, a five-time Pro Bowler, has anchored one of the league’s best run defenses over the past nine seasons. With him out of action, we can expect this unit to struggle stopping opponents on the ground. As it relates to Ngata’s future with the Ravens, he will be 31 years old next season and is set to count $16 million against the cap. There remains a possibility he’s played his last game in a Ravens uniform.
Photo: NFL.com