Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers TE Antonio Gates faces four-game suspension for violating PED policy

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:05 p.m. ET

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Philip Rivers' favorite target won't be in attendance for the first month of the San Diego Chargers' season.

Veteran tight end Antonio Gates has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

"In my 12 years in the NFL, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the NFL shield and all that it entails," Gates said in a team released statement. "I have taken extreme care of my body with a holistic approach and never taken any substance that was illegal or banned by the NFL.

“In an effort to recover from a long season and although I was unaware at the time, I regret to confirm that I tested positive for a substance that is currently on the NFL banned substance list. As an NFL veteran and team leader, I should have done my due diligence to ensure that what I was taking for recovery was within the NFL guidelines. I have always believed that ignorance is no excuse when it comes to these issues, and I take full responsibility for my actions.

“I’d like to express my sincere apologies to the Chargers, my teammates, coaches, fans and the league who have always supported me and expected and gotten nothing but the highest level of integrity from me."

Gates will be eligible to return to the Chargers' active roster on Oct. 5 following the Chargers' game against the Cleveland Browns.