Chargers TE Gates banned for use of PEDs

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was suspended without pay Thursday for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL’s policy on performanceenhancing substances, one of several league players hit with bans.

The NFL said in a statement Gates can participate in training camp and preseason games. He will be able to return to the active roster on Oct. 5, a day after the Chargers’ game against the Browns.

Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain also was suspended for the first four games, while Packers defensive end Datone Jones was suspended for the first game this season.

Gates issued a statement through the team apologizing to the Chargers, his coaches, his teammates and the fans.

“In my 12 years in the NFL, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the NFL shield and all that it entails,” Gates said. “I have taken extreme care of my body with a holistic approach and never taken any substance that was illegal or banned by the NFL. In an effort to recover from a long season and although I was unaware at the time, I regret to confirm that I tested positive for a substance that is currently on the NFL banned substance list.”

He said that as an NFL veteran, he should have made sure that what he was taking during his recovery met NFL guidelines.

“I have always believed that ignorance is no excuse when it comes to these issues, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Gates said.

McClain’s suspension puts two key Dallas defenders on the sideline to start the season with pass rusher Greg Hardy serving a 10game ban.

The suspension is likely to cost McClain more than his base salary because of bonuses tied to playing time in the oneyear, $3 million contract he signed this offseason.