Suspensions seem to be hitting a record clip as the regular season edges closer and closer, and another player is now facing a quarter of the season on the sidelines: New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich.
“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 told Mike Reiss of ESPN. “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.”
He also said he never knowingly took any banned substances and that he’s devastated after what has occurred.
Ninkovich tore his triceps last year but didn’t miss any time, and hasn’t missed a game since signing with the Patriots as a free agent in August of seven years ago. The NFL has yet to publicly confirm any suspension.
“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 added.
“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.”
The Patriots project to start Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard at the defensive ends spots to start the new campaign, but Ninkovich figures to be back in the picture when his suspension ends.
“My focus is on getting back to 100 percent and being the best teammate and Patriot I can be upon my return,” Ninkovich said.
[ESPN]
