Panthers defensive tackle Andre Neblett, who last week was suspended four games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy, said Tuesday the positive test was for an over-the-counter supplement.
He did not identify the supplement, but said it was to try to control his weight. The 6-foot, 310-pounder was listed at 295 last year.
“[It was] something I know I shouldn’t have took and should have checked with my trainer,” Neblett told Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.
Neblett appealed the suspension, but had no luck taking that route. Players are responsible for what they take, and are given plenty of access to trainers who can check for them, leaving no excuse for not doing so.
He can practice and play in the preseason, but will be suspended the first four games without pay ($127,059).
“I’m costing a team that can potentially make it to the playoffs four games, and I can be a guy that can help,” he said.
Now, he has to wonder whether he’ll have a roster spot when the suspension is up. The Panthers drafted a pair of defensive tackles in the third round last year, and with Ron Edwards coming back from injury and Frank Kearse impressing coaches, there may not be a spot for him when he gets back.