Ravens lose Ngata to 4-game suspension

baltimore » Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was suspended without pay for four games Thursday for violating the NFL’s policy on performance- enhancing substances.

Ngata will miss the rest of the regular season but will be eligiNgata ble to participate

in the playoffs. Ngata said in a news release that he took Adderall, a drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

“I made a mistake, and I own this,” he said.

The suspension costs the Ravens one of their defensive stars as they compete for a playoff berth. They’re 1½ games behind the Bengals in the AFCNorth and one of six 7-5 teams tied for the second wild-card slot in the AFC.

“I am deeply sorry and broken up over this,” Ngata said. “I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can do this. And then I can come back and help us win.”

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said the team was “disappointed with Haloti, but no more than he is with himself,”

Ngata has two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 12 games this season. Rookie lineman Timmy Jernigan, a second-round draft pick fromFlorida State, probably will take his place in the starting lineup.

“I’m definitely prepared. All I’ve wanted ever since I’ve been here is a shot,” Jernigan said.

Baltimore defensive coordinator Dean Pees knows what it’s like to have to replace a standout player.

“It’s disappointing and all that, but it would be the same thing if we lost anybody due to injury,” Pees said. “You neverwant to lose anybody for any reason at all, but that’s the name of the game. Everybody goes through stuff at this time of year.

TheRavens play the Miami Dolphins on the road Sunday, so it’s likely Pees would have used a variety of defensive linemen even if Ngata were available.

“I think it’s going to be a committee effort this week down there anyhow in the 80-degree weather,” Pees said.