San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has been suspended for four matches by the NFL for breaching their policy regarding performance-enhancing substances.
The 35-year-old will now miss the first four games of the 2015 campaign after he admitted that he breached the policy, but has blamed the issue on supplements and holistic medicines used to repair his body following the grind of last season.
"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 in a statement.
"I have taken extreme care of my body with a holistic approach and I have never knowingly ingested a substance that was banned by the NFL."
Gates has recorded 788 receptions for 10,014 yards and 72 touchdowns in his 12 years at the AFC West side.
