Chicago Bears LB Jerrell Freeman suspended four games for PEDs

Linebacker Jerrell Freeman became the second Chicago Bears player in as many weeks to be suspended for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy when the team announced his four-week ban on Monday.

Freeman joins wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who served the first of his four-game suspension during a loss at the New York Giants on Sunday.

"I don't think this is unique to the Bears. It's an issue everywhere in the league," Bears coach John Fox said. "That's why we have drug testing in any professional sport or even Olympic sports. It happens, unfortunately."

Freeman, 30, signed a three-year deal with Chicago in the offseason after spending the previous four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and is leading the Bears with 91 tackles. He will miss games against the Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers before being eligible to return against the Washington Redskins on Dec. 24.

"I would like to apologize to my coaches, teammates, the Bears organization and Bears fans for the embarrassment I've caused myself and them," Freeman said in a statement posted to his Twitter account.

"I made a mistake with my prescription medication for which I take full responsibility. As Players in the NFL we're educated on the parameters regarding substances which go into our bodies and I've prided myself on doing the right thing throughout my career. I look forward to getting back on the playing field in four weeks and finishing the season on a positive note."