NEW YORK, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Carolina Panthers rookie defensive end Julius Peppers was suspended Tuesday for the final four games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Peppers' agent, Marvin Demoff, informed the league Tuesday morning that he was withdrawing the appeal of the suspension that originally was handed down in mid-November.
It has been reported that Peppers tested positive for a banned substance in a dietary supplement. The NFL does not reveal details regarding violations of its substance abuse policy.
Peppers is third in the NFL and leads all rookies with 12 sacks. By missing the rest of the season, he will fall 2 1/2 sacks shy of tying Jevon Kearse's rookie record set in 1999.
If selected, Peppers is eligible to play in the Pro Bowl.
An All-America at North Carolina, Peppers declared for the NFL draft after his junior season and was selected with the second overall pick.
Kemp Rasmussen will replace Peppers on one of the top defensive lines in the NFL.
The Panthers (4-8) ended an eight-game losing streak with Sunday's win at Cleveland. Their remaining games are against Cincinnati, at Pittsburgh, Chicago and at New Orleans.
