Antonio Gates Suspended Four Games for Violating NFL PED Policy

Antonio Gates is the latest NFL player to get suspended before the long weekend. First it was Sheldon Richardson, then Rolando McClain — both were suspended four games for substance abuse violations. Packers defensive lineman Datone Jones has also gotten it with a game for a substance abuse violation.

Gates’ is suspended for violating the league’s PED policy. He tweeted the following statement, claiming he mistakenly ingested supplements and holistic medicines:

Even though Gates has been upstanding throughout his career, given the volume of similar excuses made by pro football players and other athletes, it’s impossible to give anybody the full benefit of the doubt.