Carolina Panthers’ defensive tackle Andre Neblett feeling guilty about taking supplement – NFL News
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Andre Neblett is very regretful of testing positive for an illegal performance enhancing drug.
Neblett admitted making a big mistake by taking a dietary supplement in order to reduce his weight. His current weight is 310 pounds.
He has been suspended by the National Football League (NFL) for the first four games of the season without any pay. Neblett expressed his feeling about the drug issue after practice session in minicamp on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. He said:
“(It was) something I know I shouldn't have took and should have checked with my trainer, I'm costing a team that can potentially make it to the playoffs. My family is disappointed and I'm extremely disappointed."
The upcoming season is going to be Neblett’s third in the league. Panthers signed him as an undrafted free agent in the 2010 offseason.
Neblett has only started five games for the Panthers. Four of those starts were in the 2011 season. He played 12 games last season, getting 23 tackles along with 2.5 sacks.
This suspension could cost Neblett his place in Panthers’ 53-man roster. He said:
"This is definitely going to make it harder. I'm not going to be here for four games, so that gives somebody else a chance to step up and take that spot, just as I did.”
Panthers defence made a comeback towards the end of the last season after a terrible start. Neblett was also looking good towards the end.
It was expected that Panthers would draft a defensive tackle this year, but they chose not to. Also, Panthers have not yet re-signed Jason Shirley.
Under such circumstances, Panthers will definitely be worried about Neblett’s absence. Neblett will attend training camp, which starts on Saturday. He will also be allowed to take part in Panthers’ preseason games.
As Neblett is banned for the first four weeks of the regular season, he will not be allowed to practice with the team during this time.
Meanwhile, Panthers coach Ron Rivera said that Neblett’s addition into the roster will only depend on his performance in training sessions, just like any other player in the team.
Rivera said:
''We had a situation like that in San Diego with a player going through camp and we didn't treat him any differently, either,''
If Panthers decide to keep Neblett on the roster, they will have to put him on the reserve-suspended list for the first month of the season.
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