Bengal Blackstock banned

Linebacker apologises for mistake in nutritional supplements

Last updated: 8th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bengal Blackstock banned

Blackstock: Four-game ban

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The Cincinnati Bengals will be without linebacker Darryl Blackstock for four games after he was suspended by the NFL for using a performance-enhancing substance.

Blackstock has played in all five games so far this season for the Bengals, starting one, after signing as a free agent from the Arizona Cardinals in the summer.

The fourth-year veteran has four tackles for the season but the NFL notified the Bengals that he would now have to sit out the next four games.

Blackstock says that he unintentionally took an unnamed performance enhancing substance as part of his nutritional supplements.

"I've apologised to my coaches and team-mates for an unfortunate mistake," Blackstock said. "I did not intentionally violate the policy, but I know it's my responsibility to use only approved nutritional supplements, and I didn't realise I was taking an over-the-counter product that included a banned substance.

"I also want to apologise to our fans, and I'll do everything I can to be ready to come back strong next month."