The Baltimore Ravens announced on Thursday that veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata will be suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Ngata will miss the remainder of the regular season and can return in time for the playoffs if the Ravens make it. Naturally, the five-time Pro Bowler is claiming his failed test came as a result of Adderall.
Ngata: “I made a mistake, and I own this. I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this."
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 4, 2014
Ngata: "I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, #Ravens fans and myself."
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 4, 2014
We’re not saying Ngata is lying, but almost every NFL player who fails a drug test claims they took Adderall. The NFL does not reveal the specific substance that a player tested positive for. However, under the revised drug policy the NFL reserves the right to reveal the substance the player tested positive for if the player lies about it publicly. The league has not done that.
Ngata has appeared in all 12 games for the Ravens this season, recording two sacks and 31 tackles.
