New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, the league announced on Thursday.
Richardson, a former first-round pick who is entering his third season, apologized in a statement issued by the team.
“I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans,” he said. “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.”
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that Richardson’s suspension stems from marijuana use.
Richardson is expected to anchor the inside of what should be a vastly-improved Jets defense. He led the Jets with eight sacks last season and made his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Ironically, Richardson has been one of the most outspoken players on the Jets this offseason in mentioning the improvements the team has made. You might remember when he made this prediction a couple of months back.
If the 24-year-old is going to help the Jets become a playoff team, he’ll have to wait until Week 5 to do it.
