San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has revealed that he is hopeful that Antonio Gates's reputation will not be affected by his suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.
The 35-year-old was banned for four matches by the NFL for violating the league's policy on PEDs, but Rivers is adamant that the tight end would not knowingly cheat as Gates claimed the infraction was down to holistic medicines.
"As a friend you just hate it for him. I feel for him as a friend. I really do," Rivers told The Mighty 1090 AM.
"You hate it for him because of what perception and what thoughts people are going to have that you can't really change their minds on.
"And me, knowing him, the kind of guy he is, I know it was without knowing that he was doing that. He's first class in every way. So it's tough knowing that he's going to have that tied to him in some way and some people will always think something about it."
Gates has recorded 788 receptions for 10,014 yards and 72 touchdowns in his 12 years at the AFC West side.
Simon Sinclair
