Colts' Robert Mathis suspended four games for PEDs
By Gregg Rosenthal+NFL Around The League Editor
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| +BRONCOS CR3W Original (USATSI) |
The Indianapolis Colts defense has taken a big hit with training camp still months away.
The +NFL and the +Indianapolis Colts announced Friday that outside linebacker Robert Mathis was suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.
"We recognize the extreme seriousness of this matter and will honor the confidentiality requirements of the League's program. We nevertheless wish to assure Robert and our fans that he remains an honored and cherished member of the Colts family and that we support him as he deals with this difficult challenge," the team said in a statement.
Mathis will be eligible to return to the team's active roster on Monday, September 29 after the team's Week 4 game against +Tennessee. Mathis will miss the season opener against the +Denver Broncos, a rematch against his old teammate Peyton Manning. (Mathis delivered the game-changing sack of Manning in last year's upset against Denver.) Mathis will also miss games against the +Philadelphia Eagles and +Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Colts' defense had plenty of questions even before this news. They have struggled to find a secondary pass rusher behind Mathis, and gave up 87 points in two playoff games last year.
Colts pass rusher Robert Mathis suspended 4 games: http://t.co/RGCEhjOA86 pic.twitter.com/JLtjubtEsq
— NFL (@nfl) May 16, 2014
