Steve Gregory suspended for four games
San Diego Chargers strong safety Steve Gregory has been suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
When asked which banned substance Gregory had tested positive for, Chargers head coach Norv Turner said, "I don't know. That's not my area."
Gregory has made no admonition of guilt and attempted to appeal the league's decision, but was denied. The NFL has also not yet stated which banned substance the 27-year-old defensive back tested positive for.
In response to these allegations, Gregory responded, "I was completely shocked to find out about this positive test from May during the off-season...I have never knowingly used any form of performance-enhancing substance. However, as an athlete I know that
I am responsible for everything that goes into my body. I appealed these test results, and through this process I was disappointed to learn today that I am going to be suspended for the next four games."
"It is tremendously upsetting to me, but I fully respect and support the NFL's policies. I will take this as a learning experience and come back stronger and as committed as ever. I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the organization, fans, and my family
and friends. I look forward to moving past this and helping my team win a championship this year."
Gregory is in his fifth year with the San Diego Chargers and has 25 tackles and one interception so far this season.
This is not the first time San Diego Chargers players have been in hot water with the league for violating their policy on banned substances. Linebackers Stephen Cooper and Shawne Merriman each received four game suspensions, in 2008 and 2006 respectively,
for incidents similar to Gregory's.
Norv Turner reacted to the suggestion that there may be a problem within the organization by telling reporters, "It's hard because every situation to me is totally different and I think following it around the league in terms of guys who've had the same
situation, you get this similar type of explanation, so I would not call it an organizational problem."
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