CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 13: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Chicago Bears carries the football in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 13, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Alshon Jeffery will be sitting out the next four NFL games.
The Chicago Bears announced on Monday that the wide receiver has been suspended without pay for the next four weeks for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing drugs.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Jeffery– a fifth-year veteran– blamed his PED violation on taking a supplement that contained an ingredient banned by the NFL’s substance policy.
“As a professional athlete, I have been careful about what I put in my body,” he said. “I took a recommended supplement to combat inflammation. Unfortunately this supplement contained an ingredient that was on the NFL’s banned substance list. I take full responsibility and I’m deeply upset with myself for not doing the proper research on this supplement. I want to apologize to my family, the Bears organization, my teammates, and Bears fans. I will work hard to earn back the respect and trust of the Bears nation and look forward to being back on the field.”
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The wideout is playing on a $14.6 million franchise tag this season after sides couldn’t reach a long-term agreement this summer. Jeffery wanted to get paid like a top-tier receiver, while the Bears hoped to sign him to a deal worth around $11 million per season.
“We’re very disappointed,” Bears coach John Fox said. “He’s fairly embarrassed about it. We’ll support him and welcome him back after serving his suspension.”
Although he’s Chicago’s top offensive player, Jeffery, 26, has not fared well this season, compiling more than 80 yards in just three games. He has only one touchdown this season.
The suspension could potentially cost Jeffery money on the open market this offseason, as he could face a longer ban should he fail another test in the future.
Jeffery will be eligible to return to the Bears’ active roster on Dec. 12 after the team’s Week 14 game against the Detroit Lions.
The final three games of the 2016 season could be the last for Jeffery in Chicago.
The Bears (2-7) will next visit the New York Giants on Sunday, after coming off a brutal 36-10 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 13: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Chicago Bears carries the football in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 13, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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