MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The National Football League suspended Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards for four games without pay Wednesday for violating its steroids policy.
The NFL released a statement saying Edwards will be eligible to return Dec. 31, the day after Minnesota's last regular-season game at Denver, The Star Tribune reported.
Edwards is the second Vikings defensive lineman to be suspended by the league in the past two weeks. Tackle Fred Evans is serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Edwards, scheduled to make $360,000 in base salary this season, will forfeit $84,705.88 in pay, the Minneapolis newspaper reported.
"It's disappointing but there are policies in place and our players have to adhere to those policies," said Coach Brad Childress, whose team has won three straight to get into playoff contention with a 6-6 record. "It's an opportunity to have others step up and if I point to the guys that have stepped up so far they relish that opportunity. That's what this whole thing is all about. I am disappointed but it's another challenge on the way."
