Baltimore Ravens' Haloti Ngata suspended four games for PED use

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Ngata said he took Adderall and apologized for the transgression that will keep him out of Baltimore's remaining four games of the regular season.

"I made a mistake, and I own this," said Ngata in a statement Thursday. "I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can do this. And, then I can come back and help us win."

The Ravens are 7-5 entering Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins and are tied with five other teams for the final AFC wild card spot.

Ngata will be eligible to return following the regular-season finale against Cleveland and would be able to play if the Ravens qualify for the playoffs.

"This is disappointing news for the Ravens," said general manager Ozzie Newsome. "We are disappointed with Haloti, but no more than he is with himself."

Ngata, in his ninth season with the Ravens, is the center of Baltimore's defense as the prominent run stopper in the club's 3-4 scheme. He has 31 tackles with two sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in 12 games this season.

[SportsNetwork.com]