OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been suspended for the rest of the regular season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the team announced Thursday.
<cite>Kellen Micah/ICON SMI</cite>Haloti Ngata has been suspended for the remainder of the regular season.
Ngata, a five-time Pro Bowl defender, received a four-game suspension from the NFL, and he's eligible to return for the playoffs if the Ravens make the postseason.
"I made a mistake, and I own this," Ngata said in a statement. "I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can do this. And, then I can come back and help us win."
The Ravens will likely turn to rookie second-round pick Timmy Jernigan to replace Ngata.
In his ninth season, Ngata was having one of his better years in recent memory. He had two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven batted passes.
With Ngata in the middle of the defense, the Ravens ranked No. 5 against the run this season. He is signed through the 2015 season.
"This is disappointing news for the Ravens," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We are disappointed with Haloti, but no more than he is with himself."
Ngata is eligible to return on Monday, Dec. 29.
<cite>Kellen Micah/ICON SMI</cite>Haloti Ngata has been suspended for the remainder of the regular season.Ngata, a five-time Pro Bowl defender, received a four-game suspension from the NFL, and he's eligible to return for the playoffs if the Ravens make the postseason.
"I made a mistake, and I own this," Ngata said in a statement. "I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can do this. And, then I can come back and help us win."
The Ravens will likely turn to rookie second-round pick Timmy Jernigan to replace Ngata.
In his ninth season, Ngata was having one of his better years in recent memory. He had two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven batted passes.
With Ngata in the middle of the defense, the Ravens ranked No. 5 against the run this season. He is signed through the 2015 season.
"This is disappointing news for the Ravens," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We are disappointed with Haloti, but no more than he is with himself."
Ngata is eligible to return on Monday, Dec. 29.
