Calvin Pace Suspended Four Games
July 2, 2009 by David Kindervater
Filed under N.Y. Jets
The NFL suspended N.Y. Jets linebacker Calvin Pace four games without pay today for violating the league’s Policy on Performing Enhancing Substances. Calvin will miss the first four games of the 2009 regular season. So, he will see his first action October 12 against Miami.
Apparently Calvin took an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that he didn’t know violated the league’s policy. Which, of course, was a big mistake. As an NFL player, if you are considering taking any supplement, you should first clear it with your team’s head trainer. Let that qualified professional examine the product and give the o.k. There’s no excuse for violating the policy. It’s a no-brainer—literally.
Calvin Pace, N.Y. Jets / Image: Zuma Press
Calvin issued the following statement today:
“I am responsible for what I put into my body, and I should have paid closer attention to the league’s guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization, as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl.”
Oh, I think it’s already a distraction. This is a big loss for the Jets. Calvin finished second on the team with a career-high seven sacks last season. He also had 80 tackles, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries and was expected to play a big role in new head coach Rex Ryan’s 3-4 defensive scheme this season. This gives LB Vernon Gholston a golden opportunity to finally prove his worth. But he’ll have to beat out undrafted rookie free agent OTA standout Jamaal Westerman first.
Source: NewYorkJets.com
