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Jets DT Sheldon Richardson suspended four games
The New York Jets will play the first four games of the 2015 season without one of their best players.
The NFL announced Thursday that defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year, was suspended without pay for violating the league’s substance abuse policy for substances of abuse.
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Richardson was suspended for marijuana use.
The suspension will hold the 6-foot-3, 294-pound Richardson out for the Jets’ games against the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins.
“I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans,” Richardson said in a statement. “However, words aren't enough. This is something that can only be addressed by how I handle myself from this point on. I don't want this to take away from what the team is trying to accomplish. While I won't be there at the start of the regular season, I will do whatever I can to support my teammates until I'm able to return to the field.”
Richardson was the team’s first round pick (No. 13 overall) in 2013 and earned his first Pro Bowl nod last season with 67 total tackles and eight sacks.
"This is disappointing for Sheldon and the team,” Jets head coach Todd Bowles said in a statement. “We’re going to support Sheldon and welcome him back upon his return. We will keep moving forward with our preparations for the upcoming season.”
Richardson’s departure creates a big hole on the Jets’ defensive line, a position of strength for the team, but gives first-round pick Leonard Williams a chance to see significant playing time early in the season.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
