Pats' Ninkovich says he's suspended 4 games

[SDGuy73]

New England Patriots starting defensive end Rob Ninkovich says he will serve a four-game suspension to open the 2016 regular season after a positive test for a banned substance.

 

[BigKen]

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  Mike ReissESPN Staff Writer
  

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots starting defensive end Rob Ninkovich says he will serve a four-game suspension to open the 2016 regular season after a positive test for a banned substance.

Ninkovich told ESPN on Friday that he is devastated and shocked, and said he would never knowingly take an illegal substance.

"Few things are more important to me than my name and reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken," Ninkovich said. "I don't want to cut any corners. I want to do things the right way, with high integrity, and that's what I have always wanted to stand for."

"Few things are more important to me than my name and reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken."

Rob Ninkovich

Ninkovich, 32, has played in 116 consecutive games (including playoffs) for the Patriots since signing with the team as a free agent on Aug. 2, 2009.

The NFL has not yet announced a suspension, but Ninkovich said it is important to him to share what happened.

"Any supplement I've ever used was bought at a store. I was unaware something I bought had a substance in it that would give me a positive test because it wasn't listed [as an ingredient]," he told ESPN.

"One thing I have learned is that if a supplement is not NSF certified, there are no regulations that ensure that what is on the label is 100 percent accurate. That is a hard lesson for me to learn at this stage in my career, but I take responsibility for it. It's a mistake I made and it hurts that I won't be there for my teammates."

New Orleans Saints on Aug. 9 and was in jeopardy of missing the start of the season because of the injury.

He is valued for his pass-rush ability (47 career sacks, including playoffs) and toughness to set the edge against the run. Coach Bill Belichick has annually lauded Ninkovich's toughness, versatility and intelligence.

The Patriots project to start veteran Chris Long, who signed with the Patriots after spending the first eight years of his career with the Rams, in his place. Jabaal Sheard is the other starter, with Shea McClellin (fifth year) and second-year players Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom and Rufus Johnson rounding out the depth chart.

"My focus is on getting back to 100 percent and being the best teammate and Patriot I can be upon my return," Ninkovich said.

 

[BigKen]

I give him credit. He's not denying it. Says he took stuff that must have had unlisted ingredients that were banned. Didn't check it out. Most likely because it had stuff that would help the healing process and whatever it is, was banned. I only have one question.......can he talk to Brady during the suspension and/or can Brady talk to him?

 

[SDGuy73]

I give him credit. He's not denying it. Says he took stuff that must have had unlisted ingredients that were banned. Didn't check it out. Most likely because it had stuff that would help the healing process and whatever it is, was banned. I only have one question.......can he talk to Brady during the suspension and/or can Brady talk to him?

I'm assuming since they are both suspended...that they can.

I don't get how these players get in troubled with supplements. After countless players have blamed supplements, you'd think they'd wise up. You take every supplement to your team trainer or whoever oversees this stuff and have them verify it.

 

[BigKen]

Player to Team Trainer.......Is this milkshake approved by the NFL?

Trainer to player................Yep everything is approved. I also added an HGH Supplement that hasn't been approved, but it's not on the illegal list.

Player...........Great, gimme a double dose.

NFL Pee Checker.........Pee in this cup.

NFL Pee Checker Lab...........Pee has an unapproved substance.

Roger..........Unapproved? 4 Games. If it's not approved, then it's illegal. Who's the player?
Ninkovich? A Patriot....Ban the substance and give him 4 games.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

At least he owned up to it, unlike that POS liar Brady....I can't believe a Patriot owned up to it and didn't destroy his urine....all he had to do was turn over his urine....cheater!

 

[Southieinnc]

Welcome back Nink.....