San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates will be suspended for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
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He is eligible to return to the active roster on October 5, ahead of a Week 5 matchup against the Steelers.
With the suspension of Gates, the Chargers will look to Ladarius Green and David Johnson to fill the TE void at the onset of the season.
All four will be eligible to participate in training camp and play in preseason games.
Gates added that he takes full responsibility and should always know what he is putting into his own body. The tight end enters the final year of his contract in 2015, meaning this could very well be his last season in San Diego. He’ll also miss games against the Cleveland Browns, the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gates was suspended because he violated the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances. We have the utmost confidence he will stay in excellent shape for the season and be ready to go when he returns in Week 5.
“In my 12 years in the National Football League, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the National Football League shield and all that it entails”. The eight-time Pro Bowler is, by all indications, a respected veteran across the league, so news of his suspension comes as a shock to many.
In his career, Gates has 788 receptions, 10,014 and 99 touchdowns. Newly arrived receivers Jacoby Jones and Stevie Johnson will hopefully help Rivers, while rookie first-round pick Melvin Gordon provides hope as the No. 1 running back for a team that was 30th in rushing offense last season. I do not want this to take away from what the team is trying to accomplish.
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Richardson issued a statement through the team apologizing for letting down his family and teammates and well as the Jets’ organization and fans.
