New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich said he will be suspended four games to open the 2016 regular season for a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Ninkovich told ESPN on Friday that he tested positive for a banned substance, but he would never knowingly take an illegal substance. The NFL has not yet announced a suspension.
“Few things are more important to me than my name and reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken,” Ninkovich said. “I don’t want to cut any corners. I want to do things the right way, with high integrity, and that’s what I have always wanted to stand for.”
The 32-year-old Ninkovich has played in 116 consecutive games (including playoffs) for the Patriots since signing with the team as a free agent on Aug. 2, 2009.
Ninkovich would have missed the start of the season anyway. He tore his triceps last month during a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints and wasn’t expected to return until October.
A team captain in 2015, Ninkovich made 52 tackles, 6.5 sacks and a career-high seven pass deflections during the regular season.
“Any supplement I’ve ever used was bought at a store. I was unaware something I bought had a substance in it that would give me a positive test because it wasn’t listed (as an ingredient),” Ninkovich told ESPN.
“One thing I have learned is that if a supplement is not NSF certified, there are no regulations that ensure that what is on the label is 100 percent accurate. That is a hard lesson for me to learn at this stage in my career, but I take responsibility for it. It’s a mistake I made and it hurts that I won’t be there for my teammates.
“My focus is on getting back to 100 percent and being the best teammate and Patriot I can be upon my return.”
The Patriots are now expected to start veteran Chris Long, who signed with the team after spending the first eight years of his career with the Rams, in Ninkovich’s place.
Quarterback Tom Brady will begin a four-game suspension for his role in Deflategate. Ninkovich and Brady won’t be allowed to be around the Patriots during their suspensions.