Jets hit with Pace ban

Pace: Four-game ban

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New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended for four games by the NFL for breaking the league's drugs policy.

Pace says that the ban has resulted from him taking an over-the-counter dietary supplement, which contained ingredients he did not know violated the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Under the terms of the suspension, Pace can still take part in pre-season games and practice, but will then be suspended from all team activities from September 5.

After missing the first four games of the new season, Pace can return to practice on October 5, and can play again in the Jets' Monday Night Football game against the Miami Dolphins a week later.

"I am responsible for what I put into my body, and I should have paid closer attention to the league's guidelines," Pace said in the statement.

Regret

"I regret that this has happened and apologise to my teammates, the entire Jets organisation, as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl."

Pace played all 16 games for the Jets last season, in his second year in New York after joining from Arizona, finishing second on the team with seven sacks and 80 tackles.

The Jets also issued a statement, saying: "We respect the league's decision and look forward to Calvin's return for our Monday night game at Miami."

Pace was set to play a big part in new coach Rex Ryan's 3-4 defensive scheme this season, but Vernon Gholston will now have to step up to the plate, after he endured a difficult rookie season last year.