Rob Ninkovich reportedly facing 4-game suspension for banned substance
The DE/OLB has been sidelined this preseason with a triceps injury.
, Patriots DE/OLB Rob Ninkovich has tested positive for a banned substance and is now facing a four-game suspension to open the season.
Rob Ninkovich says he is devastated and heartbroken to face 4-game suspension for positive test of banned substance. https://t.co/EcBK9VXmGx
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 2, 2016
“Few things are more important to me than my name and my reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken,” Ninkovich told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “I don’t want to cut any corners. I want to do things the right way, with high integrity, and that’s what I have always wanted to stand for.”
Because of his injury, #Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich wouldn’t be playing the 1st 4 games anyway. But monetarily and reputation-wise, it hurts
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2016
Ninkovich asserted that any illegal substance he tested positively for was not consumed intentionally. “Every supplement I’ve ever used was bought at a store. I was unaware something I bought had a substance in it that would give me a positive test because it wasn’t listed [as an ingredient],” he said.
Given this development, the recent trade for DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo looks extremely fortuitous.
https://twitter.com/jasonrmcintyre/status/771771900104101888
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com