St Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey has vowed to "bounce back" after he was handed a four-match ban for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The suspension will begin at the start of the 2014 regular season, meaning that Bailey is able to play in the pre-season games but will not be eligible to feature until week six of the normal campaign.
The 23-year-old took to Twitter to acknowledge and apologise for his "mistake" but made a promise to the team's fans that he would recover from the setback.
"I want to be clear that I've never taken any performance enhancing products. I acknowledge that a violation of league policy occurred and that I am responsible for that violation," Bailey wrote.
"I sincerely apologize to my Coach Fisher, Les Snead, Stan Kroenke, my teammates and our great fans for my mistake. I see all the negative comments! Everyone makes mistakes, I guarantee I will bounce back. My promise to my fans & #RamsNation."
Bailey finished his rookie season in St Louis with 17 catches for 226 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Barney Corkhill
