Carolina Panthers star Frank Alexander gets four-game ban

Carolina Panthers defensive end Frank Alexander has been suspended for the first four games of the 2014 regular season after violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

While the 24-year-old will still be eligible to participate in the off-season schedule, he will not be able to play until September 29 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Alexander has six starts and 3.5 sacks in two seasons with the Panthers, and his suspension may lead general manager Dave Gettleman to consider his Draft options.

There has been no comment from either team officials or Alexander's representatives since the suspension was announced.